Titans HC Mike Vrabel says competition for backup QB job continues
The Titans likely will have both Will Levis and Malik Willis dressed and on the sidelines Sunday to back up starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill. But Mike Vrabel still hasn’t decided who is QB2 and QB3.
Given that the 35-year-old Tannehill missed the final three games of last season, Vrabel knows the importance of having a quality backup and one who is ready to go in at a moment’s notice.
Levis was dealing with a leg injury the last two preseason games last month. He’s just now back and working with the offense in practice. Meanwhile, Willis received the majority of the snaps in those games.
Yet Vrabel is waiting until the end of the week to have an order to his quarterbacks.
“I think a lot of it is based on the gameplan,” Vrabel told reporters. “How we feel like who can step in there and help us. Will’s been out a little bit but we’re excited to get them back this week. And continue with Malik’s maturity. And kind of see where it goes at the end of the week.”
It’s not clear whether Levis is the Titans quarterback of future. But team did spend a second-round draft pick on him
Obviously. Levis is the new name in the equation. The former Kentucky star was viewed as an elite quarterback prospect in April’s draft. The consensus was Levis was a top 10 pick, if not top five. Yet he fell to the second round. The Titans traded up to get him as Levis fell in their lap three picks into the second round. And the three quarterbacks selected ahead of Levis — Bryce Young, CJ Stroud and Anthony Richardson — all will start Sunday.
The Titans selected Willis, the former Auburn quarterback who transferred to Liberty, in the third round of the April, 2022.
Willis started two of Tennessee’s three preseason games. In the preseason finale against the Patriots, Willis completed 15 of his 20 passes for 211 yards. He threw two touchdowns, but also had two interceptions. Those are a concern. However, WIllis did lead all AFC quarterbacks in passing yards during the preseason.
Meanwhile, Levis played in only one game last month. And that was the preseason opener against the Bears. He was nine of 14 for 85 yards with an interception.
The Titans take on the Saints this Sunday to open the season. Teams are figuring out how to use a new NFL rule that allows them to have three quarterbacks dressed and ready to play. The top two quarterbacks will be on the active roster. A third quarterback will have emergency status and can enter the game if the top two are injured. Think of it as the 49ers rule.