The Tennessee Titans have been one of the hottest teams in the NFL as of late, winning their last four games after an 0-2 start to the season. However, starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill is currently dealing with a number of ailments, and rookie quarterback Malik Willis will get his first NFL start on Sunday.
According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Tannehill will miss the Titans’ upcoming game against the Houston Texans with an ankle injury and an illness.
The #Titans have now officially ruled out Ryan Tannehill, who won’t make the trip to Houston.
It’s Malik Willis time. https://t.co/hAWaphTW2E
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 29, 2022
This means that Willis is expected to get his first taste of NFL action on Sunday, which many are extremely excited to see.
A Malik Willis/Derrick Henry backfield will be fascinating for the Titans. What kind of creative runs might we see? They've averaged just under 29 rushing attempts/game. Wouldn't be surprised to see 40 against the Texans, who have the worst run defense in the NFL.
— Ben Arthur (@benyarthur) October 29, 2022
Titans Malik Willis 1st career start vs Houston
Colts Sam Ehlinger 1st career start vs Washington https://t.co/AMACywyX9k
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) October 29, 2022
It’s @malikwillis time! LETS GOOOOO #Titans #TitanUp pic.twitter.com/UGHxY316uv
— BATTLE (@battleonair) October 29, 2022
Malik Willis SZN! https://t.co/3TSqZm9S43 pic.twitter.com/xFNzgwmklZ
— Busted Coverage (@bustedcoverage) October 29, 2022
I am getting my popcorn out for the first start of Malik Willis this weekend.
— Bruce Nolan (@BruceExclusive) October 29, 2022
QBs I’m playing Malik Willis over in fantasy football this week:
-Justin Fields
-Daniel Jones
-Geno Smith
-Andy Dalton
-Pickett
-Mills
-Dak
-Stafford
-Rodgers
-Goff
-Ehlinger
-Jimmy G
-Mac Jones
-TLAW
-Russ
-Mariota
-PJ Walker
-Brissett
-Heinicke
-Zach WilsonLet’s ride.
— Luke Sawhook 🪚🪝 (@lukesawhook) October 29, 2022
Willis was selected with the 86th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Liberty. But many at the time believed he was potentially the most talented quarterback in the draft class.
He will now get his chance to prove that he is better than some of his peers, including Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Willis’ rushing ability paired with the bruising nature of Titans star running back Derrick Henry certainly appears to be intriguing for the Titans on paper.
The Titans’ prolific rushing game will also likely help relieve some of the stress off of Willis in his first NFL start.
Given Willis’s upside as a rusher, he may also be a very popular addition for many fantasy football owners this week that may be in need of a quarterback.
He will get one of the easier matchups in the NFL against the Texans on Sunday, who have allowed the second-most yards per game in the league this year.