Rookie quarterback Malik Willis will be making his first NFL start for the Tennessee Titans on Sunday when the team travels to take on the Houston Texans.

The Titans downgraded starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill to out on Sunday afternoon, setting the stage for Willis to get the start. Tennessee enters the game having won four in a row and is looking to extend its winning streak to five games as it plays for the top spot in the AFC South.

The Titans drafted Willis with the 86th overall pick (third round) in the 2022 draft. He was the second quarterback taken after the Pittsburgh Steelers chose Kenny Pickett in the first round (No. 20 overall).

Willis is a dual-threat quarterback that can run and throw and has the potential to be an impact player. 

He has played only sparingly so far, appearing in just two of the Titans’ first six games. 

He has attempted just four passes, completing only one, for six yards. He also has 16 rushing yards (and a fumble) on four attempts.