MALIK WILLIS

The rash of quarterback injuries in the NFL made developing a game plan even more challenging.

Can Jeff Saturday still be a Colts coaching candidate? Also, insights on the Texans' draft status and Malik Willis' future in Tennessee.

Quarterback Joshua Dobbs will make a second straight start Saturday night in Jacksonville with the Titans’ playoff hopes on the line despite being signed Dec. 21 off Detroit’s practice squad.

The Titans are hoping to win the AFC South division for a third consecutive season. They've had a rough go as of late and lost six in a row, but one stat stands out.

The Titans needed to know whether Josh Dobbs gave them a better chance than Malik Willis to beat the Jaguars. After one start, Dobbs looks like the guy.

The Titans are making another change at quarterback ahead of their primetime matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, giving Joshua Dobbs starting quarterback duty.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — (AP) — The Tennessee Titans effectively ended veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill's season by placing him and two others on injured reserve Thursday. The Titans now have 22 players on injured reserve. Instead, the Titans will start Dobbs, whom they signed off Detroit's practice squad Dec. 21, the person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. The Titans signed linebackers Sam Okuayinonu and Andre Smith and running back Jonathan Ward from the practice squad. They also promoted offensive lineman Zack Johnson and defensive lineman Jayden Peevy from the practice squad for Thursday night's game.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — (AP) — A person familiar with the situation says that the Tennessee Titans will start Joshua Dobbs at quarterback Thursday night against the Dallas Cowboys instead of rookie Malik Willis. The Titans' third-round pick out of Liberty, WIllis had been expected to make his fourth start with veteran Ryan Tannehill among eight declared out for this game. Instead, the Titans will start Dobbs, whom they signed off Detroit's practice squad Dec. 21, the person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. Whether the Titans (7-8) win or lose Thursday night's home finale has no bearing on their playoff hopes. Dobbs will make his first NFL start after entering the league as a fourth-round pick by Pittsburgh in 2017 out of the University of Tennessee.

A person familiar with the situation says that the Tennessee Titans will start Joshua Dobbs at quarterback Thursday night against the Dallas Cowboys instead of rookie Malik Willis.

The Titans are already sitting many key players, since their Week 18 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars will decide the AFC South championship no matter what happens on Thursday night. Joshua Dobbs, and not rookie Malik Willis, is expected to start at quarterback for the Titans on Thursday night. It's an interesting decision for a few reasons, and it could impact that huge Week 18 game. Dobbs was signed off the Detroit Lions' practice squad just last week. If Tannehill is out as expected and Dobbs struggles on Thursday night, the Titans will have a difficult and unenviable decision.

[Watch Thursday Night Football on Prime Video: Sign up for a 30-day free trial]It’s fantasy championship week for most leagues, and most fantasy managers are looking for easy roster decisions. As the surging Cowboys head to Nashville to face a battered Titans team, the fantasy options look clear heading into the game. The Cowboys continue their march to the playoffs as the Titans look to Week 18The Cowboys are one of the best offenses to watch in the league. Derrick Henryis expected to miss the game, putting at least one Titans' running back in the fantasy spotlight. We just watched Dallas Goedert get 67 yards against them, and Engram tagged them for 62 yards on ten targets in Week 15.

The Titans have struggled mightily in the second half of this NFL season, especially on offense. What could a rebuild look like? Ben Arthur breaks down a few steps.

The Tennessee Titans were the victims of a huge upset on their own home turf to the Houston Texans, who entered the day with just one win on the season.

Here's everything you need for the Texans-Titans game, from the point spread, moneyline, total Over/Under and insights from Warren Sharp.

Gambling expert Warren Sharp analyzes the odds and gives you his sharpest edges for key games in the Week 16 NFL slate.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — (AP) — Tennessee rookie Malik Willis will start his third NFL game Saturday against the Houston Texans with veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill ruled out with an injured right ankle. “Just out this week,” Vrabel said Thursday. Tannehill hurt his right ankle, which he sprained Oct. 23 in a win over Indianapolis, in the first quarter of last week's 17-14 loss in Los Angeles to the Chargers. This will be Willis' second start against the Texans (1-12-1). The Titans will need Willis' mobility with center Ben Jones (concussion) and right guard Nate Davis (ankle) also ruled out for this game.

Tennessee rookie Malik Willis will start his third NFL game Saturday against the Houston Texans with veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill ruled out with an injured right ankle.

The Texans have ceded the most fantasy points to running backs and the second-most rushing touchdowns (19) this season. Henry has put up far better fantasy production during Tennessee wins, and the Titans are five-point favorites this week. of his passes and put up top-three QB stats against a Texans defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks last week. Dalvin Cook ($28) vs. New York GiantsCook has been a fantasy disappointment this season, but he's dominated usage in Minnesota's backfield. McKinnon gets a fading Seattle team that's allowed the second-most rushing touchdowns and fantasy points to running backs, so he's undervalued with Clyde Edwards-Helaire out.

On a run against the Los Angeles Chargers, quarterback Ryan Tannehill had his right foot and ankle pinned underneath Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack on a tackle attempt. Willis is an exciting player but he didn't look ready when the Titans had to start him twice earlier this season. With Tannehill injured, Willis had 135 passing yards total in his two starts. If Tannehill misses time, Willis will have to keep the offense going and come up with some wins. Jacksonville is coming on strong, and the Titans suddenly have a lot of issues to deal with.

[Watch Thursday Night Football on Prime Video: Sign up for a 30-day free trial]The Titans and Packers are bottom 10 in pass rate over expected. Ryan Tannehill’s 3 most improbable completions from Week 10 @NextGenStats x @ryantannehill1 pic.twitter.com/OFuY2q1OUO — Tennessee Titans (@Titans) November 15, 2022We already know how frustratedAaron Rodgers can get, but he seems happy after Week 10. Before Week 10, Rodgers was already top five in passing yards on explosive plays and ranked 12th in EPA per attempt on those throws. For context, Carolina had the same passing rate last Thursday but held and maintained a lead for its entirety. Patricks Mahomes dispersed 205 passing yards across three different interior pass-catchers (i.e., Kelce, Smith-Schuster, Hardman) in their overtime battle in Week 9.

The Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans appear to have both quarterbacks ready to go despite injuries ahead of key games in Week 10.

Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel was asked about relying on Derrick Henry after Sunday's loss, and it appeared he took a shot at his wide receivers.

A.J. Brown appeared to take delight in the Tennessee Titans' passing game woes against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night. Tennessee traded Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Derrick Henry was rumbling his way through the Kansas City Chiefs' defense, and through the Titans' history books, during a first half that went exactly the way Tennessee coach Mike Vrabel dreamed it would Sunday night. After he had run for nearly 100 yards and two touchdowns in the first half, the Chiefs sold out to stop him in the second, forcing Titans backup quarterback Malik Willis to try to beat them instead. The Chiefs proceeded to win the coin toss in overtime, moved swiftly downfield with the help of a couple of crucial plays, and Harrison Butker's go-ahead field goal proved to be the difference in a heart-stopping 20-17 victory.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes used his legs to force overtime and worked his magic to set up a game-winning field goal to beat the Tennessee Titans.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. He was just 2-9 against the Titans — heck, Reid has three wins against the Chiefs — including a 27-3 loss in Nashville last year. Butker drilled his 28-yarder to give Kansas City the lead with 4:04 left in overtime. The Titans finally got going in the second, and it was Willis using his legs to get Kansas City off balance. Denico Autry's first sack forced a punt, then his second on third-and-1 near midfield prevented Kansas City from getting points just before halftime.

Patrick Mahomes ran for the tying touchdown and 2-point conversion late in the fourth quarter, Harrison Butker atoned for two earlier misses by kicking the go-ahead field goal in overtime, and the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Tennessee Titans 20-17.

NFL Week 9 has brought plenty of viral moments, from Aaron Rodgers' sideline reactions to the Bengals' celebrations. Here are the top ones!

Jonathan Taylor out again for ColtsColts running back Jonathan Taylor won’t play on Sunday against the New England Patriots due to a lingering ankle injury. It will mark the third game Taylor has missed after he sustained the injury in Week 4. Starter Ryan Tannehill missed last week’s win over the Houston Texans with an ankle injury, and he’s been limited in practice all week. Terrell, who missed last week’s game with the injury too, hasn’t practiced all week. Lazard missed last week’s game against Buffalo due to a shoulder injury, and he’s been limited in practice all week.

Perhaps you’ll add a player to your fantasy bench as depth, but won't deploy him this week. WR Kalif Raymond vs. MiamiYep, we’re going back to the Raymond play. Yes, Amon-Ra St. Brown's absence did help in two of those games, but the Sun God returned last week and Raymond was still active. But the Ravens basically view Likely as a receiver, a desperately-needed player in a room that’s lacking healthy options. Likely is coming off his best game (6-77-1) and a seasonal high for snaps (67 percent) and routes (30).

It was the fourth consecutive game Henry eclipsed 200 rushing yards and scored twice against the Texans – a streak that either tied or broke NFL records. In his past four games against the Texans, Henry is averaging 223 rushing yards and 2.25 rushing yards per game. It was his second consecutive game with at least 30 attempts. Including Week 8's performance, Henry has 755 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. He's on pace to finish with 1,604 rushing yards, which is just vintage Henry.

Tom Brady hasn’t lost three straight games in 20 years. Now they have to face Jackson and the Ravens (4-3) on a short week as the teams meet Thursday night in Tampa. EAGLES, 27-12Denver (plus 2 1/2) vs. Jacksonville in LondonRussell Wilson’s status makes this a tough call in a matchup of 2-5 teams. RAIDERS, 28-24Carolina (plus 4 1/2) at AtlantaAfter shocking Brady and the Bucs, the Panthers face the inconsistent Falcons. BENGALS, 30-172022 RECORDLast Week: Straight up: 7-7.

Tom Brady hasn’t lost three straight games in 20 years.

Tannehill's trip to the bench meant an unexpected early look at live NFL action for Malik Willis, Tennessee's electric third-round rookie quarterback. The Titans called four runs for Haskins to start their next possession before Willis picked up a first down on a five-yard scramble on third-and-4. Malik Willis’ first career NFL turnover. 😬 pic.twitter.com/rDJKKPsZtE — NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) September 20, 2022It was the fourth forced turnover of the night for a ballhawking Bills defense. Tennessee's next drive ended with a three-and-out, and Willis' night was over.

Rookie Malik Willis threw the first touchdown of his NFL career and the Tennessee Titans beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13-3 in their exhibition home opener.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — (AP) — The Tennessee Titans must decide if rookie Malik Willis gets a second straight preseason start knowing exactly what they have in veteran Ryan Tannehill. “The plays might not be there all the time, but the mental reps and what he’s getting and making the right play is very important, not just making a wild play and making the right play,” Bowles said. "So it’s been great to have him there.”Tannehill also didn't play when the Titans opened the preseason by losing in Baltimore. ... Bucs right tackle Tristan Wirfs also left practice early with a trainer. ... Titans rookie WR Treylon Burks practiced Thursday after leaving Wednesday's session early, and he wore a sleeve on his left leg.

The Tennessee Titans must decide if rookie Malik Willis gets a second straight preseason start as he fights for the backup quarterback job.

Titans Ravens Football Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9), with Jordan Stout holding, kicks a field goal against the Tennessee Titans during the second half of a preseason NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton) (Gail Burton)BALTIMORE — (AP) — Tyler Huntley went 16 of 18 for 110 yards and a touchdown in the first half, and the Baltimore Ravens extended their record streak of preseason victories to 21 with a 23-10 win over the Tennessee Titans on Thursday night. Willis, a third-round draft pick from Liberty, started the game for the Titans with Ryan Tannehill held out. The Titans led 10-7 before Huntley guided a 10-play, 58-yard touchdown drive near the end of the half. Baltimore hasn't lost a preseason game since Atlanta beat the Ravens 20-19 on Sept. 3, 2015.

Tyler Huntley went 16 of 18 for 110 yards and a touchdown in the first half, and the Baltimore Ravens extended their record streak of preseason victories to 21 with a 23-10 win over the Tennessee Titans.

(AP Photo/John Locher) (John Locher)LAS VEGAS — (AP) — The Latest on the NFL draft. ___The second day of the NFL draft ended appropriately with another wide receiver being selected. ___Breece Hall got his moment — and hug from Roger Goodell — on stage at the NFL draft. ___Houston defensive tackle Logan Hall is the first selection of the second round of the NFL draft, by the Buccaneers. Former Georgia edge rusher Travon Walker was the first overall pick by Jacksonville and ex-Bulldogs defensive tackle Jordan Davis was the 13th overall pick.

NFL Draft Football Washington cornerback Kyler Gordon points after being selected by the Chicago Bears during the second round of the NFL football draft Friday, April 29, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) (Jae C. Hong)LAS VEGAS — (AP) — It took 42 selections Friday before a second quarterback was taken in the NFL draft. This is the first draft since 2000 that only one quarterback went in the first two rounds: Pickett this year, Chad Pennington to the Jets back then. But they used the second slot in the second round to grab North Dakota State's Christian Watson, who averaged 20.4 yards per reception in his career. Through three rounds, nine players from the national champion Bulldogs were taken, with six from runner-up Alabama.

It took 42 selections Friday before a second quarterback was taken in the NFL draft.

Malik Willis of Liberty became the third quarterback taken in the NFL draft when the Tennessee Titans took him in the third round with the 86th overall pick.

Very little is certain heading into an NFL draft.

A dearth of premier passers in the upcoming NFL draft meant the quarterback carousel spun faster than ever this spring. NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah noted he was 32 minutes into a media conference call before he was even asked about this QB class. “We're all overachievers and we all feel like there's a chip on our shoulders just because they're saying this draft class isn't as good as others,” Ridder said. So, why is this quarterback class so wobbly? “It's not easy to evaluate these guys, and the majority of us feel like this isn't the best year for quarterbacks," Jeremiah said.

This year's quarterback class isn't as heralded as last year's or even next year's.

Liberty Pro Day Football Liberty quarterback Malik Willis prepares the school's pro football day for NFL scouts and coaches, Tuesday, March 22, 2022, in Lynchburg, Va. (AP Photo/Kendall Warner) (Kendall Warner)NEW YORK — (AP) — Quarterbacks Malik Willis and Matt Corral are among 21 prospects who will attend the NFL draft in Las Vegas this month. Ohio State wide receivers Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson will be there along with two more wideouts. Alabama is also sending two players: wide receiver Jameson Williams and offensive lineman Evan Neal. Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who is projected as the potential No. Willis had a dazzling NFL combine after starring at Liberty.

Quarterbacks Malik Willis and Matt Corral are among 21 prospects who will attend the NFL Draft in Las Vegas later this month.

Senior Bowl Football American Team quarterback Malik Willis, of Liberty, throws a pass during the first half of the NCAA Senior Bowl college football game, Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) (Butch Dill)MOBILE, Ala. — (AP) — The pass rushers did their best to steal the show from quarterbacks Desmond Ridder and Kenny Pickett in the Senior Bowl. Cincinnati's Ridder threw two touchdown passes and the National team had eight sacks in a 20-10 victory over the American team Saturday. Winfrey wore a jersey signed by teammates and got to follow in the Senior Bowl footsteps of Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald, a 2014 alum of the game. “I've been dreaming about being in the Senior Bowl since I was a little kid,” Winfrey said. “I saw Aaron Donald dominate the Senior Bowl and I wanted to be the next to do that.”Pickett and Liberty's Malik Willis were among the Senior Bowl passers vying with Mississippi's Matt Corral to be the first quarterback picked.

Pickett and Liberty's Malik Willis were among the Senior Bowl passers vying with Mississippi's Matt Corral to be the first quarterback picked. He led Cincinatti to 44 wins in his career and to the College Football Playoffs this season, ending with a semifinal loss to Alabama. He collected a wide snap and ran left for a 2-yard touchdown late in the third quarter. Then Ridder rolled right and hit Colorado State tight end Trey McBride for a 6-yard touchdown late in the second. Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25Copyright 2022 The Associated Press.

Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder threw two touchdown passes and the National team’ had eight sacks in a 20-10 victory over the American team in the Senior Bowl on Saturday.

The pass rushers did their best to steal the show from quarterbacks Desmond Ridder and Kenny Pickett in the Senior Bowl. Cincinnati's Ridder threw two touchdown passes and the National team had eight sacks in a 20-10 victory over the American team Saturday. “We didn't come out here to lollygag through it," Minnesota defensive lineman Boye Mafe said.

MOBILE, Ala. — (AP) — Malik Willis passed for 231 yards and accounted for five touchdowns and Liberty rolled over Eastern Michigan 56-20 on Saturday night in the LendingTree Bowl. Liberty also got a defensive touchdown in the first quarter on Skyler Thomas' 27-yard interception return. T.J. Green also ran for a 34-yard score in the second quarter, in addition to those touchdowns in Willis had a hand. THE TAKEAWAY:Eastern Michigan simply had no answer for Willis and the Liberty offense, which clearly possessed more speed on the perimeter. Willis will return to Mobile in February for the Reese’s Senior Bowl, the annual NFL draft showcase, which also takes place at Hancock Whitney Stadium.

15 Mississippi past Liberty and the former Rebels coach 27-14 on Saturday. Ole Miss was also hit with NCAA sanctions for recruiting and academic violations that happened under Freeze. Dannis Jackson had six receptions for a game-high 126 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown catch. John Rhys Plumlee added seven receptions for 110 yards for an Ole Miss receiver corp that has been banged up. The Flames played better in the second half, but it was too late to really challenge their SEC opponent.

Matt Corral threw for 324 yards and a touchdown to lead No. 15 Mississippi past Liberty and former Rebels coach Hugh Freeze 27-14.

UMass Liberty Football Liberty quarterback Malik Willis throws a pass against Massachusetts during an NCAA college football game in Lynchburg, Va., Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021. All four schools have accepted invitations to C-USA, according to a person familiar with the conference and the schools' decisions. Including MTSU and WKU, Conference USA has only five members that have not announced plans to leave in the next few years. New Mexico State is also an FBS independent and member of Western Athletic Conference for basketball and other sports. Sam Houston State, which is coming off an FCS national championship, is part of the newly restarted WAC football league, which is competing in FCS this year.

Liberty players celebrate after defeating Coastal Carolina in overtime with a blocked field goal in the Cure Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Matt Stamey)ORLANDO, Fla. – Elijah James blocked Massimo Biscardi's 42-yard field goal attempt in overtime to give No. 9 Coastal Carolina on Saturday night in a wild finish in the FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl. Liberty (10-1) took the lead on Alex Barbir’s 44-yard field goal on the first extra possession. Coastal Carolina (11-1) got a huge break in regulation when Liberty's Joshua Mack fumbled inside the 1 with 41 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Biscardi added a 33-yard field goal on the final play of the half after Barbir kicked a 37-yarder for Liberty.

Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn listens to an official's call during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against Mississippi State, Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)Auburn fired football coach Gus Malzahn, ending an eight-year run that began with a trip to the national championship game. The Tigers also were upset by a struggling South Carolina, which wound up firing coach Will Muschamp during the season. “After evaluating the state of the Auburn football program, we’ve decided that it was time to make a change in leadership," Greene said in a statement. Auburn will owe Malzahn a $21.45 million buyout for the remaining four years of a seven-year, $49 million deal.

25 Liberty to a 38-35 victory over Virginia Tech. But officials ruled that Virginia Tech had called a timeout before the kick. “I’ve always done this,” Virginia Tech coach Justin Fuente said. Hendon Hooker paced Virginia Tech, throwing for 217 yards and three touchdowns and rushing for 156 yards and a touchdown. Virginia Tech: The Hokies play Miami at home on Saturday.