Titans coach Brian Callahan plans to afford quarterback Will Levis more time to heal from a shoulder injury, but he’s not ruling him out this week.
The organization view as of Wednesday: Levis is closer to week-to-week than day-to-day after not playing against the Bills in a Week 7 loss (34-10). Mason Rudolph, who started against Buffalo, appears set for another start Sunday when the Lions (5-1) put their four-game winning streak on the line in Detroit.
Callahan said Levis would get some work but his activity will be relatively limited as he strengthens his sprained shoulder. He was first injured in Week 4 when the Titans (1-5) beat the Dolphins. He attempted to fully participate in practice last Thursday but was dialed back to limited the next day.
“We’ll probably give Will one more week,” Callahan said Wednesday. “I’m not necessarily ruling him out but I do think we’re going to take a look and let Mason (Rudolph) take more reps this week to get ready to play and see how Will comes through the week. I think he’s getting better every day and he’ll be out there doing a little bit of work as well, just working back. … There’s nothing official on that at this point, but I’m probably leaning towards Mason one more week.”
Only benched Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett ranks behind Levis (699) among 32 qualified quarterbacks in passing yards. Tennessee ranks 31st in the NFL in total offense and subtracted wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in a trade with the Chiefs on Wednesday.
“It’s part of playing quarterback in the NFL. Guys’ contracts are up, you sign new players. Every year it’s part of that process,” Callahan said.
Levis has completed 66.4 percent of his passes with five touchdowns and seven interceptions.
In his first season with the Titans, Rudolph is 34-of-57 passing for 300 yards with one touchdown and one pick.
