A rough stretch for the Titans got worse this week with reports that Ryan Tannehill likely would miss the rest of the season after suffering an ankle injury in Week 15 against the Chargers, but the quarterback isn't ready to surrender just yet.
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported Tannehill had surgery during the week but is pushing to return for a Week 18 game against Jacksonville that could determine whether the Titans make the playoffs.
Tennessee has lost its past four games and is now at .500 after starting the season 7-3, and the AFC South is suddenly in jeopardy with three games remaining. The surging Jaguars are just a half-game back in the standings after their win over the Jets on Thursday night.
MORE: How Ryan Tannehill's injury could shake up AFC South standings
Here's the latest on when Tannehill could return to the lineup:
How long is Ryan Tannehill out?
Many expected Tannehill to be placed on injured reserve right away, opening up an additional roster spot, but that hasn't happened yet because the Titans are leaving open the possibility he could return.
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported Friday that Tannehill had "tightrope" surgery on his ankle this week in Birmingham, Ala. Opting for that relatively new procedure at least gives Tannehill a chance to return, as the best-case scenario sees players back on the field in about three weeks.
While that might seem unlikely, especially given Tannehill's ankle issues earlier this season, Titans coach Mike Vrabel has said only that his QB is "out this week" with no projections for the remainder of the season.
However, ESPN's Adam Schefter on Saturday cited a league source saying flat-out that Tannehill won't play during the regular season and would be "unlikely" for the playoffs.
Titans’ QB Ryan Tannehill, who underwent surgery on his high ankle sprain this week, will not play again during this regular season and it is considered “unlikely” that he will be able to return this postseason, per a league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 24, 2022
Tannehill has completed 65.2 percent of his passes this year for 2,536 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions.
What is the Titans QB depth chart?
While the Titans hold out hope for Tannehill's return, they'll rely on Malik Willis once again. Willis already took over for Tannehill earlier this season after Tannehill missed time with an injury to the same ankle.
Heading into last week against the Chargers, Willis was the only quarterback on the depth chart. With the news about Tannehill's injury Wednesday, the Titans signed Joshua Dobbs to the active roster as a backup.
Willis is 1-1 in his starts this year, with a win against the Texans and a loss to the Chiefs. He has completed 17 of 38 passes for 177 yards and an interception.
The Titans will have to lean on him more in the coming weeks, as they try to stave off the Jaguars in the AFC South and make the playoffs for the fourth straight year.
Needless to say, this injury makes that road harder. But with games against the Texans and Jaguars remaining — along with a bout against the Cowboys sandwiched in the middle — they at least can pave their own way.
