Titans stick with Levis after Rudolph replaces injured QB

MIAMI – Titans coach Brian Callahan made it clear Monday night that Will Levis, assuming he is healthy, will remain Tennessee’s starting quarterback after the bye week.

Callahan’s confirmation came after Levis injured his right throwing shoulder in the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins on Monday night and was replaced by backup Mason Rudolph, who led the Titans to their first win of the season, 31-12.

“Will is healthy, he’s our quarterback,” Callahan said after the game. “He’s our starter when he’s healthy and we’re ready to play with him.”

A scrambling Levis landed awkwardly on his shoulder as he dived for the first down. He attempted to throw the football on the sideline but felt uncomfortable, so Callahan kept him out to avoid further injury.

The Titans do not believe Levis’ shoulder injury is serious, but the QB will undergo an MRI on Monday to confirm it.

“I don’t think it will be anything too serious other than a normal AC injury,” Callahan said. “Right now I don’t think it’s a long-term problem for us.”

Callahan said his decision to keep Rudolph in the game was based on nothing other than Levis’ health before the off week. Rudolph played 52 snaps and Levis played 10.

One of those 10 snaps resulted in Levis’ sixth interception, tying him for the most in the NFL with Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson.

With Rudolph under center, the Titans scored more than 30 points for the first time since their lopsided 34-3 win over the Dolphins on Jan. 2, 2022.

Callahan said he definitely thought about breaking the streak, but added that he didn’t want to intentionally increase the score.

Running back Tony Pollard had other plans for getting to the end zone.

“I called the play from the 4 (yard line),” Callahan said. “To be honest, you don’t usually score from the four-man line. It was really kind of a squat and Tony just ended up shooting outside and scoring.”

Rudolph threw for 85 yards and completed 9 of 17 passes in relief of Levis, who attempted just four passes and threw for 25 yards before the injury.

“I certainly didn’t do much,” Rudolph said. “Tony and the O-line and Tyjae (Spears) just beat them forward. He moved the ball, controlled the ball in the second half. We protected the ball there in the second half and came away with the win.”

The Titans have a bye this week and then host the Colts on October 13th.