Steelers Opponent Could Miss Starting QB in Matchup

The Titans could be without starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill against the Steelers in two weeks on Thursday Night Football. Pittsburgh and Tennessee will clash on November 2nd, and the Titans sit on a bye week now. But they prepared Malik Willis and Will Levis to start throughout the bye week. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Tannehill will likely miss their game on October 29th against the Falcons. If that happens, there’s as good chance he won’t play on the quick turnaround, either.

“While Tannehill hasn’t been ruled out for the Titans’ Oct. 29 game against the Falcons (Tennessee is on a bye this week), it’s unlikely that he will be able to play. Sources say the Titans, who practiced several times this week despite their bye week, are preparing Will Levis and Malik Willis to start if Tannehill is unable to play Week 8. Willis struggled in three starts last season and in relief of Tannehill last week,” Rapoport said.

This season, the Steelers have not played against a backup quarterback. However, Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has a shoulder injury that will force the Colts to play backup Gardner Minshew for the rest of the season. So, they will face at least one, and of course, Willis would be the second if that happens.

Tannehill is officially dealing with a high ankle sprain. He suffered an injury last year, and he had tightrope surgery on the same ankle. Luckily for him, they believe his ankle is more stable this time, thanks to the surgery. But that does not mean Tannehill will suddenly be fully healed and ready to go in two weeks.

So far, Tannehill has two touchdowns with six interceptions. He briefly returned to the game against Baltimore last week before heading onto a cart and into the locker room. The Titans now hope he can get healthy after the bye week.