NASHVILLE – During the early days and weeks and months of his rookie season, quarterback Will Levis watched, and learned, while preparing himself.
"Just trusting, and knowing, that my time was going to come," Levis said on Wednesday when asked about his patience, and his mindset. "Just keeping the right mindset throughout that process. It can be hard, and it can be discouraging at times. But it's a test of character, and I'm hoping that has helped me to be ready for when my name gets called."
The time could be on Sunday, when the Titans face the Falcons at Nissan Stadium.
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill didn't practice on Wednesday, when he said he's recovering from the ankle injury he suffered on October 15 against the Ravens.
Titans Coach Mike Vrabel on Wednesday reiterated what he said on Tuesday: Levis and Malik Willis will both play against the Falcons if Tannehill is unable to play.
Levis, the 33rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, said he'll be ready. Levis hasn't played since the team's first preseason game against the Bears back on August 12. He's been the team's No.3 QB through the first six weeks of the season.
"I'm just treating it like any other week," Levis said. "Vrabel preaches that we prepare as starters every week, regardless of what position or opportunity we have. If my name gets called, I'll be ready to go."
Willis came off the bench and completed 4-of-5 passes for 74 yards against the Ravens, but he was sacked four times. Willis played in eight games during his rookie season in 2022, with three starts.
Willis, the team's No.2 QB up to this point, said he's preparing to play as well.
"(Coach told me) to be ready to go, to prepare as the starter," Willis said. "(The process) is the same as usual – just go to practice, try to get better, try to understand the gameplan as if you're starting."
Tannehill suffered what he called a high ankle sprain against the Ravens. He said it's similar to the ankle injury he initially suffered early last season, and that kept him out two games. Later last season, Tannehill re-injured the ankle, and he ended up on Injured Reserve.
Tannehill on Wednesday said, "everything is getting better" when asked about the ankle, and said things are trending in the right direction.
Since the Baltimore game he's gone from a walking boot and crutches to a cast and a scooter to now being out of the cast, and walking.
"I'm doing everything I can physically to heal and recover, be on top of the game plan mentally," Tannehill said, "and then just helping (Malik and Will) in meetings, going over all the different looks, what we're looking for in the passing game, and different looks we may see in the running game, and then being on the same page.
"Any time you deal with an injury you are not able to move like you want to, and that is kind of the determining factor in being able to play, right? Being able to do your job effectively, and keep yourself out of harm's way. Being able to move enough to be effective, and not just be a sitting duck back there."
