The Tennessee Titans are set to make a change under center as they head into a pivotal Week 7 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. According to a source close to the situation, the Titans will start backup quarterback Mason Rudolph in place of the injured Will Levis on Sunday.
Levis Battling Shoulder Injury
Levis, the Titans’ starter, has been dealing with a right shoulder injury that he sustained while diving for a first down in the team’s Week 4 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Despite having a bye week to recover, Levis was still limited in practice this week and reportedly struggled with some throws, including an interception against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 6.
The extent of Levis’ injury remains unclear, but the Titans are opting to err on the side of caution by turning to their backup for this critical game. The decision to start Rudolph comes after the veteran shared first-team reps with Levis in Friday’s practice session.
Rudolph’s Chance to Shine
For Rudolph, this represents a significant opportunity to showcase his abilities and potentially stake his claim to the starting job. The 27-year-old stepped in for Levis against the Dolphins in Week 4 and led the Titans to an impressive 31-12 win, their only victory of the season thus far. In that game, Rudolph threw for 85 yards and helped the Titans score more than 30 points for the first time since January 2, 2022.
Mason prepares like he’s the starter every week. He’s a true professional and we have full confidence in his ability to lead this team.
– A Titans team source
A Daunting Task Ahead
However, Rudolph will have his work cut out for him against a formidable Bills defense. Buffalo currently ranks in the top ten in both total defense and scoring defense, allowing just 17.2 points per game. The Bills’ pass rush, led by Von Miller, has also been a force to be reckoned with, registering 19 sacks through the first six weeks of the season.
For the Titans to have a chance at pulling off the upset, they will need Rudolph to be at his best and avoid the costly turnovers that have plagued the team this year. Tennessee’s offense will also have to find a way to generate points without star wide receiver Treylon Burks, who was placed on injured reserve Saturday.
Playoff Implications on the Line
The outcome of this game could have significant implications for the AFC playoff picture. At 1-4, the Titans find themselves in a precarious position and desperately need a win to keep their postseason hopes alive. A victory over the Bills, one of the conference’s elite teams, would go a long way in turning their season around.
Meanwhile, Buffalo is looking to maintain its position atop the AFC East and further establish itself as a Super Bowl contender. A win over the Titans would give the Bills a commanding lead in the division and provide a valuable conference victory that could come into play when playoff seeding is determined.
The Bottom Line
As kickoff approaches, all eyes will be on Mason Rudolph and whether he can rise to the occasion in this high-stakes matchup. With Will Levis sidelined, the Titans’ hopes rest squarely on the shoulders of their backup quarterback. If Rudolph can recapture the magic he displayed against the Dolphins and lead Tennessee to an upset victory, it could be a turning point in the Titans’ season and potentially alter the landscape of the AFC playoff race.
