Titans QB Will Levis set to start vs Texans
The Tennessee Titans are expecting to return rookie quarterback Will Levis to the field on Sunday against the Houston Texans. After suffering a high-ankle sprain, Levis returned to practice this week and is now in line to start again, according to head coach Mike Vrabel.
The former Kentucky star went down with his injury at the end of the Texans’ overtime victory over the Titans two weeks ago. Now, he has the opportunity to top Houston on their home turf in Week 17. Levis is completing 59% of his passes in his first NFL season. He has 1,792 passing yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions.
The Titans have won three games and lost six since their bye week but they still have the opportunity to spoil the Texans’ postseason party with a win on Sunday. Ryan Tannehill started for Tennessee last weekend against the Seattle Seahawks and despite his effort, the team lost 20-17. Tannehill went 18-for28 for 152 yards with no touchdown passes. He was also sacked six times for a loss of 39 yards.
Tennessee won’t be the only team with a rookie quarterback starting on Sunday. The Texans are also planning to start C.J. Stroud after he spent two weeks in concussion protocol.
Stroud expected to start vs Titans
Stroud finally spoke to the media on Thursday after clearing concussion protocol earlier in the day.
“I feel great,” the former Buckeye told reporters. “I feel really good. Feel back to myself, which was the biggest thing.”
Stroud is now on track to start this weekend’s game against the Tennessee Titans. The quarterback hasn’t played in two weeks after hitting his head on the turf in the game against the Jets.
“He’s looked the same way he’s always looked,” Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said. “There’s really been no difference in that regard. He’s doing a great job just progressing through the stages he’s at. He’s on track and we’ll see where he’s at on Sunday.”
Clearing the concussion protocol this week was one of the last hurdles to getting him back on the field. While he was out, the QB had to manage his emotions as he watched his squad fall to the Browns.
“I didn’t try to get too up, too down. I was trying to be supportive of my teammates,” Stroud said. “Texting them throughout the week, and I was keeping up with the game plans and stuff. It was tough to watch because, of course, I wanted to play, but at the end of the day there was nothing I could do, so I wasn’t going to try to control something I couldn’t control and just get mad. So, I just tried to stay calm.”