Titans vs. Chiefs: Malik Willis has ‘very real’ chance to start

NFL reporter Ian Rapoport says Malik Willis has a “very real” chance to start at quarterback for the Tennessee Titans against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Kansas City Chiefs haven’t been exactly sure which quarterback their defense will be playing against on Sunday Night Football when the Tennessee Titans come to visit Arrowhead Stadium in Week 9. Between Ryan Tannehill‘s health concerns and Malik Willis‘ readiness, the Titans have had real questions at the quarterback position for the second consecutive week, and it doesn’t look like answers are coming anytime soon.

According to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport, the Titans are going to make a game-time decision when it comes to who will start at quarterback for them in an important matchup between AFC contenders.

For those who thought Tannehill would come back sooner than later from an ankle injury that kept him out in Week 8 against the Houston Texans—halting a 49-game starting streak at QB—practice sessions this week have painted a different story. Tannehill was held out of the Titans’ practice sessions on both Wednesday and Thursday and was limited on Friday. According to Rapoport, the team could go with Willis for the second week in a row, saying he has a “very real” chance to start in Week 9.

Willis was the third-round pick of the Titans in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Liberty and made his first start against Houston. He finished with only 10 passing attempts as the Titans compensated for his lack of experience by relying on running back Derrick Henry to carry the offensive load—and rightfully so. Whether or not Tannehill can play, the Chiefs can expect more of the same this week given the questions surrounding his availability.

Willis finished with six completions last week for 55 passing yards and 1 interception against Houston.

The Chiefs and Titans kick off at 7:20 p.m. on Sunday Night Football.