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Titans QB depth chart: How Will Levis'' season-ending injury impacts Cam Ward, Tennessee starting job | Sporting News

Titans QB Depth Chart: Will Levis' Injury and the Buzz Around Cam Ward

The Tennessee Titans' quarterback situation has become a focal point of discussion in the NFL landscape, particularly with the ongoing concerns surrounding starter Will Levis' injury and the team's overall performance at the position. As the Titans navigate a challenging season, questions about depth, reliability, and future planning have intensified. This article delves into the current state of the Titans' QB depth chart, the implications of Levis' injury, and the emerging speculation linking the team to college standout Cam Ward as a potential draft target.

At the top of the depth chart sits Will Levis, the second-year quarterback who was selected by the Titans in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Levis, known for his strong arm and athleticism, entered the league with high expectations after a standout college career at Kentucky. However, his tenure with the Titans has been marred by inconsistency and, more recently, injury woes. The injury in question stems from a shoulder issue that Levis sustained during a game against the Miami Dolphins in Week 4 of the current season. What initially appeared to be a minor setback has lingered, forcing Levis to miss multiple games and raising concerns about his long-term durability.

The shoulder injury, specifically an AC joint sprain, occurred when Levis awkwardly landed while attempting a dive for a first down. This type of injury can be particularly troublesome for quarterbacks, as it affects throwing mechanics, arm strength, and overall mobility. Reports from team insiders indicate that Levis has been undergoing rehabilitation, including rest, physical therapy, and targeted strength training to regain full functionality. Despite optimism from head coach Brian Callahan, who has praised Levis' work ethic and resilience, the timeline for his return remains uncertain. Levis has been listed as questionable in recent weeks, participating in limited practices but not yet cleared for full contact. This uncertainty has not only disrupted the Titans' offensive rhythm but also highlighted the vulnerabilities in their quarterback room.

Backing up Levis is Mason Rudolph, a veteran signal-caller who joined the Titans after spending time with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rudolph, drafted in the third round in 2018, brings a wealth of experience, having started games in spot duty throughout his career. His style is more conservative compared to Levis' gunslinger approach, focusing on short-to-intermediate passes and minimizing turnovers. In Levis' absence, Rudolph has stepped in admirably, providing stability to an offense that has struggled with consistency. For instance, in a recent outing against the Indianapolis Colts, Rudolph managed the game effectively, completing a high percentage of his passes and avoiding costly mistakes. However, his ceiling is perceived as limited; he's seen more as a reliable bridge option rather than a long-term solution. Rudolph's contract situation adds another layer, as he's on a one-year deal, making his future with the team uncertain beyond this season.

Further down the depth chart is Malik Willis, another young quarterback who was acquired by the Titans in a trade with the Green Bay Packers earlier this year. Willis, originally a third-round pick by the Titans in 2022 before being traded away and then reacquired, represents an intriguing developmental piece. His athleticism and dual-threat capabilities make him a wildcard, but his passing accuracy and decision-making have been points of criticism. Willis has seen limited action this season, mostly in mop-up duty or specific packages designed to exploit his running ability. The Titans' coaching staff has expressed a commitment to developing Willis, but with Levis as the presumed starter and Rudolph as the immediate backup, opportunities for Willis to prove himself have been scarce. This depth chart configuration underscores a broader issue for the Titans: a lack of proven, high-upside talent beyond Levis, which amplifies the pressure on him to stay healthy and perform.

The Titans' offensive struggles this season have only magnified these quarterback concerns. The team ranks near the bottom of the league in key metrics like passing yards per game and touchdown-to-interception ratio, with Levis' injury playing a significant role in that underperformance. Before his injury, Levis showed flashes of potential, including a memorable game-winning drive against the New York Jets where he connected on deep throws and demonstrated poise under pressure. However, turnovers have plagued him, with multiple interceptions stemming from forced throws and poor reads. Critics argue that the Titans' supporting cast, including a revamped offensive line and receivers like DeAndre Hopkins and Calvin Ridley, should provide ample opportunity for success, yet the results have been middling. This has led to growing calls for the team to address the quarterback position more aggressively in the offseason.

Enter Cam Ward, the Miami Hurricanes quarterback who has emerged as one of the most intriguing prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft. Ward, a senior who transferred to Miami after stints at Incarnate Word and Washington State, has lit up college football with his dynamic playmaking ability. Standing at 6-foot-2 and possessing a live arm, Ward combines accuracy, mobility, and improvisational skills that have drawn comparisons to quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes in his college days. In his current season, Ward has thrown for over 3,000 yards, with a impressive touchdown tally and a low interception rate, showcasing his growth as a passer. His ability to extend plays with his legs and deliver pinpoint throws under duress makes him an ideal fit for modern NFL offenses that value versatility.

Speculation linking Ward to the Titans has gained traction due to the team's draft position and needs. With the Titans potentially picking in the top 10 if their season continues on its current trajectory, Ward could be within reach. Analysts point out that Tennessee's offensive scheme under Callahan, which emphasizes play-action and deep shots, aligns well with Ward's strengths. Moreover, the uncertainty surrounding Levis' health and development has prompted mock drafts to project Ward as a possible successor or competitor. Titans general manager Ran Carthon has a history of bold moves in the draft, and selecting Ward could provide the team with a high-ceiling option to either challenge Levis or take over if needed.

However, drafting Ward isn't without risks. Some scouts question his consistency against top-tier competition, noting that while he's excelled in the ACC, the jump to the NFL could expose weaknesses in processing speed or handling complex defenses. Additionally, the Titans would need to weigh the cost of using a high draft pick on a quarterback when other positions, like the offensive line or secondary, also demand attention. Alternatives in the draft class, such as Shedeur Sanders or Quinn Ewers, add to the decision-making complexity.

Beyond the draft, the Titans could explore free agency or trades to bolster their quarterback depth. Veterans like Kirk Cousins or even a reunion with Ryan Tannehill have been floated as short-term fixes, but the allure of a young talent like Ward represents a more sustainable path. Coach Callahan has emphasized building around a franchise quarterback, and whether that's Levis or someone new remains to be seen.

In the immediate term, the focus is on getting Levis back on the field. His return could stabilize the offense and provide clarity on his role moving forward. If Levis can string together strong performances in the latter half of the season, it might quell the draft speculation and reaffirm his status as the QB1. Conversely, prolonged absence or subpar play could accelerate the team's pursuit of options like Ward.

The Titans' quarterback conundrum is emblematic of broader NFL trends, where injuries and performance volatility force teams to constantly evaluate and adapt. For Tennessee, a franchise with a storied history but recent playoff droughts, resolving this position is crucial to returning to contention. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the season unfolds, with Levis' health and the draft buzz around Ward shaping the narrative.

As the NFL calendar progresses toward the offseason, the Titans' decisions at quarterback will have ripple effects. Investing in Ward could signal a bold reset, injecting excitement into a fanbase eager for success. Alternatively, doubling down on Levis with improved support might yield dividends if he overcomes his injury hurdles. Either way, the depth chart's current fragility underscores the need for proactive planning.

In summary, the Titans' QB situation is fluid, with Levis' injury casting a shadow over the present and prospects like Cam Ward illuminating potential futures. The coming months will determine whether Tennessee sticks with their young starter or pivots to a new era under center. This ongoing saga not only affects the team's on-field product but also their strategic direction in a competitive AFC South. (Word count: 1,248)

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