NASHVILLE – Joshua Dobbs is back in the state of Tennessee, and ready to help the Titans any way he's needed.
"It's cool," Dobbs said in the locker room on Thursday. "It's been great. I'm glad to be here, and I'm getting acclimated quickly, and excited for the opportunity."
Dobbs, who played quarterback at the University of Tennessee from 2013-2016, will serve as the back-up for starter Malik Willis on Saturday against the Houston Texans.
On Thursday, Titans head coach Mike Vrabel ruled out starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill for the contest because of his ankle injury.
"I like Malik – I love his attitude," Dobbs said. "I met him this offseason in Atlanta – he was training for the combine. I was just doing my offseason training and we were training with the same people down there. His attitude is tremendous. It is infectious in the locker room. So, I am happy to support him. I know he is going to go out there and play well.
"I'll be ready if something happens, and I have to get in there and play. But I am excited for the opportunity for Malik."
The Titans signed Dobbs to the team's 53-man roster earlier in the week.
Dobbs was signed off the practice squad of the Detroit Lions. Dobbs just signed with Detroit's practice squad on December 5th, following Tim Boyle's departure to Chicago's active roster. Dobbs was elevated to the team's roster for the Week 15 matchup against the Jets, but he did not play.
Dobbs last attempted a regular season pass in 2020, as he's spent most of his time on practice squads the last few years.
Dobbs started the season with the Cleveland Browns, but was waived last month when Deshaun Watson returned from his suspension. He then signed with Detroit's practice squad.
Previously, Dobbs spent time with the Steelers and Jaguars. He's appeared in six career games, completing 10-of-17 passes for 45 yards, since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
"Obviously my skillset fits what the offense does," Dobbs said of the Titans. "Obviously complimenting Derrick (Henry) at the QB position, and get the ball in the hands of the receivers (is what the team wants). I was excited to be here."
Dobbs admitted it's been a whirlwind of a week.
He's getting to know the team and the playbook at the same time.
"I am learning teammates' names and offensive plays," Dobbs said with a smile. "Obviously that's a lot to cram into my mind in two days. But guys have been awesome. It's been good, and it's been easy.
"Obviously I have a lot of friends in Nashville. I'm back in the state of Tennessee. It feels like home, really. I love Nashville. I love visiting Nashville in the offseason. It just feels right, honestly. It feels good to be here."
