As expected, Will Levis is set to return to action this week. Titans head coach Brian Callahan announced on Friday the second-year quarterback will get the start against the Chargers. 
Levis has been out since suffering an AC joint sprain in Week 6. Veteran Mason Rudolph has handled starting duties in his place with Levis recovering. The latter has practiced in full this week, positioning him to reclaim his spot atop the depth chart. Tennessee’s staff had previously made it clear Levis would serve as starter once healthy.
The 2023 second-rounder has not developed as hoped in his first full campaign as QB1, which has doubled as Callahan’s first season in place. Levis lost one fumble in each of his first three games in 2024, and across his five total starts he threw seven interceptions. Improved ball security will be critical over the coming weeks as team and player look for positive momentum in the second half of the campaign.
The Titans sit at 2-6 on the year, and the decision to trade away DeAndre Hopkins is a sign of the team’s outlook for the rest of the season. Tennessee is also shorthanded along the offensive line with center Lloyd Cushenberry suffering a season-ending Achilles injury and on defense with Quandre Diggs out for the year due to his Lisfranc ailment. A postseason berth is not feasible, but better production from Levis and Co. would be welcomed ahead of an offseason in which changes could be made under center.
Rudolph completed only 59.4% of his passes upon taking over from Levis, throwing as many touchdowns (four) as interceptions along the way. The former Steeler joined Tennessee on a one-year deal, beating out Malik Willis for the backup gig during the summer. His free agent stock has no doubt taken a hit given his struggles in 2024, and it would come as no surprise if the Titans were to target a different veteran option on the open market this spring. As for Levis, his grip on the 2025 starting role will surely depend in large part on how he performs upon returning to the lineup.
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After watching the Titans with and without Levis, you have to wonder Callahan needs to make changes himself in how he coaches. Even if we didn’t expect much, this roster should be better than its record. There are a few formerly decent players who shouldn’t look like they suddenly forgot how to play football.
It’s the first year, so working out kinks is expected, and the Titans seemed to have a plan going into this year, so we’ll see if they can figure a few things out to at least trend in a positive direction. Right now, it looks like there should be some changes in the future, no matter who the quarterback is.