The Tennessee Titans will have a new starting quarterback when they visit the Buffalo Bills on Sunday afternoon.
Veteran backup Mason Rudolph is expected to get the start a ccording to long-time Titans beat writer Paul Kuharsky , as regular starter Will Levis is dealing with a shoulder injury.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the injury is a Grade 2 AC sprain in his right shoulder. He also passes along that it could be a multi-week injury that could sideline him for an extended period of time.
This will be Rudolph’s first start with the Titans after joining the team in free agency this past offseason. Prior to signing with the Titans he was a long-time backup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played sparingly during his time with the Steelers, but showed some flashes of being a strong-armed, pocket passer. He played his best football down the stretch of the 2023 season when he came off the bench and led the team on a three-game winning streak that carried them into the playoffs.
This might not be the worst news for the Titans.
While they are obviously hopeful that Levis can be a long-term answer, the harsh reality is that he has not been very effective so far this season. He has made some crucial mistakes in key situations that have helped cost the Titans games and he is coming off his worst start of the season, when he failed to pass for 100 yards in a Week 6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
Even without an injury to Levis a quarterback change is something that should have been at least explored. The Titans spent big money this offseason trying to compete in the AFC South but have been held back by inconsistent quarterback play.
Rudolph might not be a long-term answer, but he is an experienced veteran who might be a better play than Levis right now.
