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Turron Davenport, ESPN
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans may use two quarterbacks Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons if Ryan Tannehill can’t play, coach Mike Vrabel said Tuesday.
Both Malik Willis and rookie Will Levis could see snaps if Tannehill isn’t available because of his high ankle sprain.
“If Ryan can’t play, I would anticipate both of those quarterbacks playing in a football game,” Vrabel said.
Tannehill suffered a right high ankle sprain in the Titans’ 24-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6. The injury is similar to the initial ankle sprain Tannehill had last season that kept him out for two games. A second injury to the same ankle required surgery and landed Tannehill on injured reserve, ending his season.
Vrabel said Tannehill is no longer using the walking device but won’t be available to practice for Tennessee as the team began practice on Tuesday after the bye week. The Titans’ plan to monitor Tannehill’s progress and see where he is at the end of the week.
Tannehill was off his feet during the bye while Willis and Levis went through throwing sessions at the facility with wide receiver Treylon Burks. Burks missed the last three games with a knee injury but will practice this week.
The reps in practice will be divided between the two young quarterbacks when Tannehill is out. Tennessee traded up in the third round to select Willis in the 2022 draft. The Titans doubled down on young quarterbacks when they traded up to the No. 33 pick this year to select Levis.
“I’m confident in both and sure they’re excited to get the opportunity to showcase themselves, get some practice reps, play some ball, and get ready to win,” running back Derrick Henry said of Willis and Levis.
On Monday, the Titans traded safety Kevin Byard to the Philadelphia Eagles for a fifth and sixth-round pick in next year’s draft along with veteran safety Terrell Edmunds. Vrabel fielded a series of questions Tuesday about trading one of the team’s captains before being asked about trading any other players.
“[General manager] Ran [Carthon] and I will always look at opportunities to strengthen the roster,” Vrabel said. “We’ll always listen to something someone has to say but I don’t think anything is imminent.”
Henry is one of the remaining Titans players with trade value.
“Until I’m told different, I’m focused on winning, beating the Falcons,” Henry said. “I’m here at work, ready to go practice.”
