Mason Rudolph, Malik Willis Competing For QB2 Role
Tennessee Titans quarterbacks Mason Rudolph and Malik Willis are competing for the backup role behind Will Levis this offseason, according to head coach Brian Callahan. Rudolph was signed to a one-year, $2.87 million deal during free agency after leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to the playoffs behind a 74.3% completion percentage, three passing touchdowns, and no interceptions. Willis was selected by Tennessee in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft and has thrown for 350 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions in 11 game appearances. Willis has looked overwhelmed in his limited action so far, making Rudolph the likely favorite to open Week 1 in the QB2 role. Both players are stash considerations in deep Superflex dynasty leagues.
Malik Willis Could See Playing Time Against Falcons
Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis will see at least some playing time in Week 8 against the Atlanta Falcons if Ryan Tannehill (ankle) is unavailable. Tannehill suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Week 6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and is not practicing to begin the week. Head coach Mike Vrabel said both Willis and rookie Will Levis will play on Sunday if Tannehill is ruled out. Obviously, neither signal-caller is on the fantasy radar given the circumstances, but both are worth picking up in deep superflex or two-QB leagues. Willis has completed just 35 of his 66 passing attempts for 350 yards, zero touchdowns, and three interceptions over the last two seasons. Since Levis was selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, he is likely the favorite to take over the full-time job if Tannehill is out for a while or if the Titans decide to turn the offense over to a young signal-caller.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis came in for an injured Ryan Tannehill (ankle) and completed four of his five passing attempts for 74 yards and rushed three times for 17 yards in the loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The second-year quarterback was sacked four times and ultimately failed to do much outside of a 48-yard Tyjae Spears catch and run. The Titans are on a Week 6 bye, and Ryan Tannehill's status is unknown at this point. If Tannehill has to miss time, Willis or rookie Will Levis would operate as the team's starting quarterback. Both would have low floors and ceilings in fantasy football.
Ryan Tannehill Injured Sunday, Malik Willis Enters
Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (ankle) was carted to the locker room during Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens after suffering what appeared to be an ankle injury. He's officially questionable to return. He departed in the fourth quarter after completing eight of 16 passes for just 76 yards and one interception. While he was being taken to the locker room, second-year quarterback Malik Willis entered the game. He'll remain under center for Tennessee until Tannehill is able to return.
The Tennessee Titans were very pleased with quarterback Malik Willis' preseason performance and there's still a chance he'll open the season as the backup behind starter Ryan Tannehill and ahead of second-round rookie Will Levis. However, ESPN's Dan Graziano suggests the pick the Titans used on Levis strongly indicates a belief that he can be the team's starter eventually, which would leave Willis as the odd man out. Willis' ability and physical traits made him a highly regarded prospect before the 2022 draft, and there are certainly teams that would be interested in him if the Titans decided to move on. The 24-year-old looked a bit lost in eight games as a rookie, but he appears to have taken a second-year leap and could benefit from a change of scenery. Right now, Willis is only worth stashing in dynasty/keeper formats.
Malik Willis Throws Two Touchdowns In Preseason Finale
Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis completed 15-of-20 passes for 211 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions in Friday's 23-7 preseason win over New England. Willis surprisingly ran for only 17 yards despite playing the entire night after the first drive, instead providing a mix of good and bad plays with his arm. The 2022 third-round draft pick participated in a few games last year, and his appearances went about as poorly as possible. It was so bad that Willis was eventually benched down the stretch. On the plus side, the athletic QB added some value with his legs so that he might emerge as a dual threat someday. In the meantime, the 24-year-old will sit and learn behind veteran Ryan Tannehill and rookie Will Levis.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis completed 10 of his 17 passing attempts for 85 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the team's preseason win over the Minnesota Vikings. He posted a lackluster passing game but rushed 11 times for 91 yards. Willis played the entire game for Tennessee because Will Levis (lower-body) was out of action with an injury. Willis and Levis are fighting for the backup role behind Ryan Tannehill. Neither should see meaningful regular season snaps if Tannehill stays healthy the Titans are in the thick of the AFC South race.
Malik Willis To Play Entire Game Against Minnesota
With Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Will Levis (lower body) out for the team's second preseason game on Saturday night against the Minnesota Vikings, Malik Willis will play the entire game. Willis and Levis rotated in the preseason opener last week against the Chicago Bears, with Willis going 16-for-25 for 189 yards and an interception. He also added three carries for 22 yards and a touchdown with his legs and was sacked four times. The 24-year-old second-year signal-caller started over Levis last week, and all indications are that he's ahead of the rookie in the competition for the backup job to starter Ryan Tannehill. If Willis impresses on Saturday against the Vikes, he'll take a big lead over Levis in the backup competition.
Malik Willis Scores Rushing Touchdown In Preseason Opener
Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis completed 16 of his 25 passing attempts for 189 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception in the preseason opener against the Chicago Bears. As a runner, he racked up 22 yards and a score on three attempts. Overall, he looked more poised and comfortable operating the team's offense than he did in his rookie campaign. However, the Titans lost 23-17. Willis is competing with rookie Will Levis to be Ryan Tannehill's primary backup in 2023. He could be worth stashing in deep superflex leagues, but he's not on the fantasy radar in traditional formats.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis will make the start in the team's preseason opener on Saturday on the road against the Chicago Bears. Willis looked overwhelmed in limited action in his rookie season in 2022 after he was taken in the third round, and his future with the organization was called into question when the Titans drafted Will Levis in the second round this year. However, the 24-year-old has reportedly looked much better this offseason and in training camp, and he appears to have the leg up on Levis for the backup job in 2023 to starter Ryan Tannehill. Willis is going to have to prove that he's improved in the preseason if he wants to hold off Levis as the primary backup entering the start of the regular season.
