With Ryan Tannehill still dealing with an ankle injury, he will be inactive for the second consecutive game, the Titans confirmed on Sunday. That will leave rookie Malik Willis as the team’s starter when they take on the Chiefs.

Tannehill suffered the injury two weeks ago, and his Week 8 availability was immediately thought to be in question. That led to Willis ultimately being named the starter for Tennessee’s 17-10 win over the Texans. Tannehill’s status was the subject of much scrutiny during the week in practice, and he traveled with the team to Kansas City over the weekend.

With the veteran unable to suit up again, though, Willis will retain the lead role. The third-rounder only threw 10 passes last week, as the team leaned even more heavily than usual on running back Derrick Henry, giving him 32 carries. The All-Pro racked up 219 rushing yards along with a pair of touchdowns, providing a formula the team might look to repeat tonight given Willis’ inexperience.

For the second consecutive week, Tennessee elevated Logan Woodside
from the practice squad; he will dress as the backup tonight. Given that, and the difference in competition Willis will face from the Chiefs compared to the Texans, he may very well have to be more involved in the passing game. He showed an ability to move the ball with both his arms and legs during a highly productive stint at Liberty, and during his time in the preseason.

Of course, with Tannehill’s future beyond 2022 potentially in doubt, tonight’s primetime contest will also provide the Titans with another opportunity to evaluate the signal-caller drafted to be his successor. Willis and the 5-2 Titans will look to maintain their lead in the AFC South against a fellow division leader in the Chiefs.