The Tennessee Titans have ruled starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill out for Saturday’s contest against the Houston Texans, meaning that former Liberty quarterback Malik Willis will make the start.
Some are reporting that Tannehill is out for the year with his ankle injury needing surgery. This would put Willis behind center for the AFC South Division leading Titans for the final three games of the regular season. With a 7-7 record, the Titans are trying to hold off the 7-8 Jacksonville Jaguars for the division title and automatic bid to the NFL Playoffs.
Tannehill was carted off the field with the ankle injury during the Titans’ Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. He would return to the game in the second quarter and finished the contest.
Willis, a third round pick in this past year’s draft, has appeared in seven games for the Titans this season with two starts in Weeks 8 and 9. Tennessee rolled over the Houston Texas in his first start and fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime the following week.
In the win over the Texans, who Willis and the Titans will see on Christmas Eve at 1 p.m., Willis completed six of 10 pass attempts for 55 yards and an interception. On the season, Willis has completed 17 of 38 passes for 177 yards and 1 interception. He’s also rushed 20 times for 80 yards.
Willis played briefly with Tannehill missing last week’s game before returning with the injury. Willis played in eight snaps while Tannehill was being evaluated.
Following Saturday’s game at home against the Texans, Tennessee will play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night, Dec. 29 and conclude the regular season in week 18 at the Jacksonville Jaguars in a game that could determine the AFC South.
