It was already pretty obvious that the 7-8 Tennessee Titans were treating Thursday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys like it was a preseason game given the players that were sitting out. 

But they are really taking it to the extreme as they are expected to start Joshua Dobbs at quarterback instead of Malik Willis.

The news was first reported by Draft Network, with Adam Schefter and Tom Peliserro also reporting the Titans’ switch. 

It is a stunning development given that Dobbs has only been with the Titans for eight days after being signed off of the Detroit Lions practice squad, and since Thursday’s game seemed like a low-pressure environment Willis to get some much-needed reps and experience.

Willis has started three games this season in place of Ryan Tannehill but has badly struggled to throw the ball. He is one of just three quarterbacks over the past 40 years to fail to throw for at least 100 yards in each of his first three starts, joining only Dan McGwire and Nathan Peterman on that infamous list. 

Dobbs was a standout college player at the University of Tennessee but has almost no game experience in the NFL. Originally a fourth-round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017, Dobbs has never started an NFL regular season game and only attempted 17 total passes (all with the Steelers) for only 45 total yards, zero touchdowns, and an interception.

He has also spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, and Lions before joining the Titans this year. 

It is understandable for the Titans to sit people this week given how meaningless the game is for them as the entire season will come down to their Week 18 game at Jacksonville (also 7-8) with the winner of that game winning the AFC South. But it still seemed like a good opportunity for Willis to play.

It could also be a sign that the Titans do not expect Tannehill to available and do not want to risk injury to Willis.