Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis left Monday’s 31-12 victory over the Miami Dolphins in the first quarter due to a shoulder injury.
Levis lunged for a first down during Tennessee’s second drive and landed hard on his right throwing shoulder. Backup Mason Rudolph took over for Levis, who did not return to the game.
Brian Callahan, who achieved his first win as the Titans’ head coach, mentioned that he doesn’t believe the injury is too serious, but Levis will have tests to check how bad it is. He added that Levis attempted to return to the game but was in pain, and the quarterback was seen grimacing on the sideline.
Callahan explained that the upcoming bye week played a role in the decision to keep Levis out.
“Didn’t want to expose him to any further risk,” Callahan said. “He tried everything he could to go, but it was bothering him pretty significantly on his shoulder.”
Before the injury, Levis threw his sixth interception of the season on a pass meant for DeAndre Hopkins during the opening drive. Dolphins linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah intercepted the pass and caught it between his knees.
The second-year quarterback now has two more interceptions than he had in nine starts as a rookie last year. He has been inconsistent during a season where he is learning a new offense under Callahan.
Levis completed 3 of 4 passes for 25 yards on Monday. This season, he has a 68.4 completion percentage and four passing touchdowns.
Rudolph stepped in and led seven scoring drives, with two resulting in touchdowns, helping the Titans secure their first win of the season. In his first game of the season, Rudolph completed 9 of 17 passes for 85 yards.
Callahan dismissed any thoughts that Levis would not be the Titans’ starter going forward.
“Will’s healthy, he’s our quarterback,” Callahan said. “It was not based on anything other than his health and protecting him, particularly with the bye week.”
