Tag: Will Levis

Titans injury report: Luke Gifford out, Nick Folk questionable

The Tennessee Titans released their final Week 16 injury report and see multiple starters questionable for their battle with the Colts.

The Tennessee Titans finished up their work on the field in preparation for their Week 16 battle with the Indianapolis Colts on Friday and have a lot of injury questions heading into the weekend.

The biggest blow could be the loss of kicker Nick Folk. Folk returned to practice on Friday and was limited. The Titans listed Folk as questionable, but expect kicker Brayden Narveson to be elevated as an emergency option. That could play a huge role in the outcome of what should be a close game. 

Quarterback Will Levis was added to the injury report and was limited with a shoulder injury. This coincides with reports that he aggravated it against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 14 and attempted to play through it last week. Levis is questionable this week. 

Linebacker Luke Gifford and wide receiver Colton Dowell were the only players listed as out on the Friday report. 

The final injury report and game statuses for the Titans and Colts are below.

Tennessee Titans

Out: LB Luke Gifford (concussion), WR Colton Dowell (knee)

Doubtful: None

Questionable: LB Kenneth Murray (hamstring), K Nick Folk (abdomen), QB Will Levis (shoulder), OT Jaelyn Duncan (hamstring), RB Tony Pollard (ankle), Otis Reese (ankle)

Indianapolis Colts

Out: LB E.J. Speed (knee), WR Alec Pierce (concussion)

Doubtful: None

Questionable: TE Mo Alie-Cox (hip), WR Ashton Dulin (ankle), K Matt Gay (neck), CB Julius Brents (knee), LB Jaylon Carlies (fibula/shoulder), C Ryan Kelly (knee)

Brian Callahan went on an enraged rant about the Titans’ supposed lack of toughness

The Titans aren’t soft. They just suck.

I need to make one thing clear for you, dearest readers.

The next time you wonder whether your awful favorite NFL team is playing terribly because the players are soft … don’t. NFL players, by and large, are grown men with so much more strength and athleticism than the average human. They put themselves through unfathomable physical punishment on a weekly basis. It is the kind of punishment that would likely put most of us regular people with “normal” day jobs in the hospital at the slightest exposure.

They are not soft, at least in the colloquial usage of the word. Far from it.

In the midst of a tough 3-11 season, a Tennessee Titans reporter learned this the hard way on Wednesday when they asked head Brian Callahan if he thought his team was soft.

Callahan reacted appropriately to the mere suggestion his Titans players weren’t tough enough with a fiery, extended rant.

(Warning: NSFW language in the video below.)

Good for Callahan. I’m sure Titans players genuinely loved seeing this defensive passion from him.

On that note, let’s make another thing clear.

The two main quarterbacks to play for the Titans this year — Will Levis and Mason Rudolph — have a combined 20 turnovers between them. They’re two of the least efficient passers in pro football. Unsurprisingly, Tennessee is just 30th in expected points added (EPA) per play, according to RBDSM.com. The middling defense doesn’t get much better with a unit ranked 19th in EPA per play. The Titans don’t get stops. At all.

These Titans aren’t soft. They just suck. They’re simply not a good football team. Let’s all remember that saying the former is a big leap to make about anyone’s character. Please?

Titans’ Will Levis treats Special Olympics athletes to shopping spree

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis treats local Special Olympics athletes to a shopping spree at DICK’S Sporting Goods.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis has struggled on the field of late, getting benched in the team’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and losing the starting job to Mason Rudolph.

But his on-field struggles have no bearing on the impact Levis is making off the field. On Tuesday, Levis treated 20 Special Olympics athletes to a shopping spree at DICK’S Sporting Goods.

 

In the video, Levis is seen interacting with each athlete, looking over their purchase or helping them decide what to pick, helping them test out shoes, and praising their choices.

“It’s an organization I’ve been involved with since I was a kid,” he said. “I can remember close family members of ours dealing with someone with special needs and being such a great inspiration to everyone else around them. And it always just made me inspired to work with those athletes and people when I was in a position to make an impact for them.”

Normally we refrain from “I” statements in this business, but I’m going to break that rule today.

As the parent of a Special Olympics athlete, I can personally attest to the direct impact events like this have on our special population. They feel seen, they feel respected, they get to think about something other than whatever health issue they are currently dealing with, and they get to go somewhere that’s not a hospital or doctor’s office. The sheer joy these kids experience at these events is almost enough to counter all of the other nonsense.

So, while it’s unfortunate that Levis hasn’t been able to secure a starting spot with the Titans, this organization should feel privileged to have a guy with this kind of character on their roster.

[lawrence-related id=155091,155065,155058]

Former Steelers QB set to take over starting duties for Titans

Former Steelers QB Mason Rudolph is the Tennessee Titans’ starter for Week 16, showcasing his ability to step in at a moment’s need.

It appears the Atlanta Falcons aren’t the only NFL team looking for a change at quarterback in Week 16, as it is being reported that the Tennessee Titans will bench QB Will Levis in favor of former Steelers QB Mason Rudolph.

Rudolph’s five years with the Black and Gold highlighted his growth as a signal caller, from ultimately sitting out his rookie year in 2018, to relieving Ben Roethlisberger following his season-ending elbow injury in 2019, and his return to form by beating out Kenny Pickett for starting QB duties to finish out the 2023 season.  Rudolph would price himself out of Pittsburgh, but signing with the Titans was the correct decision to make, as he is currently slated to earn starting duties for the Titans Week 16 game vs the Indianapolis Colts.

Rudolph has averaged 209 passing yards per game for the Titans in 2024, and has thrown 5 TDS, as well as 5 INTs, through his three starts for Tennessee.

Rudolph’s starting opportunity surprises very few fans of the Black and Gold, as he has proven time and time again to step up to the challenge when his name is called upon.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Report: Titans benching Will Levis, Mason Rudolph to start

According to media reports, the Tennessee Titans will be moving off Will Levis and start Mason Rudolph in Week 16.

After pulling quarterback Will Levis in their Week 15 loss, Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan was non-committal on who would be his starting quarterback for Week 16 during his weekly press availability.  

Callahan stated that he wanted to show locker room accountability and would take the next two days to make a decision. Apparently, a decision has been made and the team will be benching Will Levis this week. 

Multiple outlets are reporting that the Titans are moving on from Levis and will start Mason Rudolph on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. 

Levis struggled against the Cincinnati Bengals and looked nothing like the player that has been playing over the past few games. He went 8-for-12 for 89 yards, zero touchdowns, three interceptions, was sacked once, and lost a fumble.  At one point, he had three interceptions in five passes. It was the latest implosion from the young quarterback, who has battled costly turnovers and poor decision-making throughout the season. 

This change definitely creates an air of uncertainty around Levis and his future with the Titans.  Unfortunately, for fans, turning the page on Rudolph does not appear to be a move for the future. Rudolph is a solid veteran, but has never shown the ability to be a franchise quarterback. Now it looks like he will be given another shot to impress and seize the opportunity. 

He will have his chance on Sunday when the Titans travel to Lucas Oil Stadium to face the Colts in AFC South action. 

[lawrence-related id=155065,155060,155058]

Titans’ Brian Callahan botches message on accountability with Will Levis comments

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan had some interesting things to say during his press conference, but one will likely miss the mark.

During the same press conference where Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan talked about the quarterback situation, he made an interesting comment. 

“(One) Potential benefit of moving away from Levis is that guys in the locker room want to feel that all players are held accountable.” 

That is not only an interesting statement but also a bit contradictory to what has happened throughout 2024. Where have the other examples of accountability been? 

Players have been benched, like tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere, only to regain their starting position while playing at the same subpar level. Was this accountability the reason Leroy Watson was released after coming off an injury? It’s definitely hard to see. 

Then there is the accountability of the coaching staff or lack thereof. Offensive coordinator Nick Holz has led an inept offense that lacks identity and has no creativity.  The offensive line, coached by Bill Callahan, may be the worst unit in the NFL. The special teams are the worst in the league. They are terrible, and their coach, Colt Anderson, even admitted that he didn’t know how to fix it two weeks ago. 

Benching Levis is one thing, but his performance was bad, and he clearly isn’t the answer. But saying this is to show accountability to the locker room is a joke. Callahan has not held anyone accountable all season, especially on his coaching staff, and that is a major reason the Titans sit here at 3-11. 

The Titans will face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 16, and maybe Brian Callahan will hold himself accountable and put a winning team on the field.

[lawrence-related id=155060,155058,155024]

Titans’ Brian Callahan not naming starting quarterback for Week 16

The Tennessee Titans have a quarterback controversy and head coach Brian Callahan does not know who will start in Week 16.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis is coming off a horrendous game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday and now questions surround his status for the rest of 2024. During his press conference, head coach Brian Callahan said that he is going to use the next few days to decide who his starting QB will be. 

Levis was extremely bad against the Bengals and looked nothing like the player that has been playing over the past few games. Callahan benched Levis in the third quarter after he threw his third interception of the game. In total, he went 8-for-12 for 89 yards, zero touchdowns, three interceptions, was sacked once, and lost a fumble.  At one point, he had three interceptions in five passes. 

Mason Rudolph came in and added veteran leadership and poise, but he didn’t set the world on fire either. He went 20-for-25 for 196 yards and a touchdown, but he also threw an interception, and his touchdown pass was on the game’s last play. It was not a dynamic performance, but it was better than Levis. 

Levis had shown positive signs before imploding against the Bengals, but it is becoming clear that he isn’t the answer at the quarterback position. Rudolph is a solid backup but hasn’t been able to seize the opportunity when presented. 

Now Callahan will face one of the biggest decisions of his brief stint as head coach: who will start on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. This not only impacts the 2024 season, but it may also shape their fortunes moving forward. 

Who would you select to start against the Colts in Week 16? Chime in and let us know your thoughts. 

[lawrence-related id=155032,155024,155039]

Former Kentucky quarterback Will Levis was benched vs the Bengals

Former Kentucky quarterback Will Levis was benched during his game on Sunday.

After a tough outing against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Will Levis has been benched.

Levis spent two seasons playing quarterback for the Kentucky football team, and was very good while he was there. In two seasons he threw for over 5,000 yards and 40 touchdowns. That led to him being selected in round two of the 2023 NFL Draft.

As a rookie with the Tennessee Titans, he started nine games and showed potential. He had 1,800 yards passing and 8 scores. He ran for another touchdown. This season, he began the season as the starter, and has had some struggles.

Related: Barion Brown chooses his new team

Turnovers have been a problem for Levis even going back to his days in Lexington. They have been an increasing issue this season. Going into Sunday’s game, he had thrown nine interceptions and had fumbled seven times.

Against the Bengals, the turnover issue popped up again. He tossed three more interceptions and fumbled the ball once before being benched for Mason Rudolph.

Coach Brian Callahan simply said, “Today wasn’t his day.”

It will be interesting to see how things play out after this. Callahan hasn’t named a starter for next week.

NFL fines Jaguars’ Josh Hines-Allen for unflagged play vs. Titans

NFL fines Jaguars’ Josh Hines-Allen for unflagged play vs. Titans

Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen was fined $16,883 by the NFL on Saturday for roughing the passer with his body weight in Jacksonville’s 10-6 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 14, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Hines-Allen was not penalized for the play during the game, a 12-yard strip-sack on Levis on the final snap of the second quarter. Levis aggravated a throwing shoulder injury originally suffered in Week 4, which eventually caused him to miss three games.

Hines-Allen finished the game with two tackles to pair with his sack and forced fumble. Levis completed the contest 19-of-32 passing for 168 yards.

The sack marked the 52nd of Hines-Allen’s NFL career, placing him 3.5 shy of Jacksonville’s franchise record, 55, set by Tony Brackens in 2003.

Hines-Allen, who signed a five-year, $141.3 million contract extension with the Jaguars in April, has recorded 286 total tackles with 61 for loss and his 52 sacks, two interceptions, 10 defended passes and 10 forced fumbles in 87 career appearances.

Titans’ Brian Callahan offers injury updates on Will Levis, Harold Landry

The Tennessee Titans have been hit by the injury bug, but head coach Brian Callahan is optimistic they will have Will Levis and Harold Landry.

The Tennessee Titans are disappointed with the outcome of their 10-6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Now, focused on Week 15, there is hope that they will see some significant players return from injury. 

The Titans are a banged-up football team. Against the Jaguars, three starters on defense were held out due to injury, and more starters, quarterback Will Levis and edge Harold Landry missed some snaps due to injury. 


Head coach Brian Callahan is optimistic that neither Levis nor Landry will miss time and the team could see cornerback Roger McCreary return. 

Landry injured his knee during the second half, but did return to action. However, it will be something to keep an eye on moving forward. 


Levis was slammed to the turf and aggravated the sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder. In fact, he acknowledged that the hit made the injury worse and he required a shot to continue. It was clear that Levis was playing through pain and lost velocity on his throws. 

The Titans will return to practice on Wednesday and all eyes will be on Landry and Levis to see their activity level. Both players are gamers and likely won’t miss time, but they may see some reduced reps this week.

[lawrence-related id=154704,154699,154693]