Rookie quarterbacks across the NFL have seen plenty of playing time in the preseason, but one early draft pick is done for the summer.
Will Levis reportedly won't play in the Titans' preseason finale against the Patriots, again handing the keys to second-year signal-caller Malik Willis to take the majority of the snaps.
Willis played the entirety of Tennessee's Week 2 preseason game against the Vikings, a rarity considering teams typically rotate two or three quarterbacks through these exhibition matchups. Mike Vrabel hinted at the "possibility" that starter Ryan Tannehill might see action Friday, but it appears Levis will not.
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Here's what you need to know about Levis' absence and when he could be available to play again.
Where is Will Levis?
Levis has been dealing with a thigh injury, which forced him to miss the Titans' preseason game against the Vikings and is now keeping him out against the Patriots.
#Titans QB Will Levis (thigh) is not expected to play tonight vs the Patriots, per source, strengthening Malik Willis’ chances to earn the No. 2 job to start the season if he continues to show improvement.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 25, 2023
Details on Levis' injury were initially vague, but he left practice on Aug. 17 and hasn't been able to get into game shape since that point despite returning to practice. Levis told reporters earlier this week that the injury was "nothing too serious" and said he was aiming to play against New England. His optimism didn't come to fruition,
Losing training camp reps as a rookie quarterback can be a serious setback, and it could be the difference for Levis in his battle with Willis to serve as Tannehill's direct backup. Despite rumors Willis might not even make the 53-man roster, the second-year quarterback has been able to familiarize himself with the offense by seeing the bulk of snaps in back-to-back preseason games.
According to ESPN's Turron Davenport, there is a "good chance" Tannehill starts Friday's game for the Titans before handing the reins to Willis.
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Titans QB depth chart
The Titans are carrying only three quarterbacks on their roster during the preseason.
1. Ryan Tannehill
Levis was drafted with the idea that he could succeed Tannehill, but the rookie was never any immediate threat to the veteran's role. The Titans opted against any kind of quarterback competition this summer, running it back with Tannehill after a disappointing, injury-marred 2022 season.
Tannehill was ultra successful with the Titans in 2019 and 2020, tossing 55 touchdowns to just 13 interceptions over the two seasons, but he battled turnover issues in 2021 and struggled with a depleted receiving corps in 2022.
2. Malik Willis
Willis was also drafted as a potential successor for Tannehill, but expectations have been tempered. Tennessee showed very little faith in Willis' arm when he made three starts last season, and Willis didn't give them much reason to trust him by completing barely 50 percent of his passes with three interceptions.
Still, Willis' excellent mobility makes him a useful weapon. He rushed for 91 yards on 11 carries in the Titans' preseason win over the Vikings and will try to shake off Patriots defenders on Friday night.
3. Will Levis
Levis was considered a potential top-10 pick for much of the pre-draft process, but concerns about his shaky play at Kentucky factored into his fall to the second round. His only preseason action came during Tennessee's loss to the Bears, when Levis went 9 of 14 for 61 yards and an interception.
Levis might have a more NFL-ready arm than Willis, but a lack of reps plus Willis' mobility could leave the rookie third on the Titans' depth chart entering the season.
