NEWS ABOUT THE STEELERS Following a significant injury on Sunday, the Steelers’ Week 9 opponent may start a rookie quarterback.

In the 2023 regular season, the Pittsburgh Steelers still have a long way to go. The Steelers play in the AFC South division this season, and as a result, they will face the Tennessee Titans on Thursday Night Football in Week 9. The Titans team the Steelers will face may seem different than usual owing to starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s ankle injury.

Tannehill suffered a right ankle injury against the Baltimore Ravens, and no further information have been released. When the Titans return from their vacation to Europe, Tannehill is scheduled to have an MRI on his ankle. He was observed leaving the game on crutches, and this is the same ankle that he injured in 2022, forcing him to miss some time to finish that season. Tannehill discussed his current injury with ESPN’s Turron Davenport.

“I couldn’t throw with any force.” I continued going away, but it got worse and worse. I believed if I was a sitting duck back there and couldn’t step into a throw, I wouldn’t be very successful.”

Tannehill attempted to return to the game in the second half, but was hauled off and headed to the locker room. Tannehill is currently 35 years old, making recovery from a recurring injury more challenging. Tannehill elaborated on his displeasure as a result of his injury.

“It’s not a fun process.” Especially if you know it has some importance. But we’ll wait and see what happens before making a decision.”

Obviously, NFL fans around the world are pulling for Tannehill to recover quickly and completely, but the fact that this is the same ankle that forced him to miss some time in 2022 is cause for concern. If the injury is serious, the Titans will likely turn to second-year quarterback Malik Willis or, potentially, rookie Will Levis.

The Steelers Could Face A Rookie Quarterback During Week 9,
Willis is Tannehill’s backup, and he took over in the Titans’ Week 6 loss to the Ravens when Tannehill suffered an ankle injury. Willis performed admirably in Tannehill’s absence, completing four of his five passes for 74 yards and adding 17 rushing yards. Willis had a difficult debut season in 2022. He started three games and had a total of 279 passing yards, zero passing touchdowns, and three interceptions while completing roughly half of his throws. Willis was also sacked 10 times, but he scored on the ground.

Willis is far from an established starter in the NFL, and he has struggled almost every time he has played.

Tannehill missed the final three weeks of the 2022 season due to a similar ankle injury, and Willis took over as the team’s starting in Week 16. Willis performed so poorly that the Titans signed Joshua Dobbs off the Detroit Lions practice squad and started him for the rest of the season, despite the fact that they still had a chance to make the playoffs.

Given how the Titans handled Willis and his troubles in 2022, it’s easy to assume he’ll be on a tight leash if Tannehill is out for an extended period of time. If Willis continues to struggle, Levis could end up making some starts or at least seeing some action. With the Steelers scheduled to play the Titans in Week 9, there is a good chance Pittsburgh will line up across from the rookie from Kentucky.

Who do you think the Titans will start as quarterback in Week 9 if Tannehill is out? Please let us know in the comments!