NFL: Tennessee Titans’ rookie Malik Willis to make his first NFL start against the Texans

Rookie quarterback Malik Willis will make his first NFL start for the Tennessee Titans in Houston against the Texans on Sunday.

The Titans downgraded 11-year veteran Ryan Tannehill from doubtful to out on Saturday due to illness and the right ankle he injured in last week’s win at Indianapolis.

Tannehill only missed one snap, but left the stadium with a walking boot. He did not train for the Titans (4-2) on Wednesday and Friday.

The Titans demoted 11-year veteran Ryan Tannehill from doubtful to out on Saturday

Willis was the 86th pick overall in the third round in April, with the Titans acting to take the quarterback out of Liberty.

Willis has played in two games this season, making his appearance in Tennessee’s Week 2 defeat at Buffalo and last week when he also had two snaps with Tannehill on the field.

Tannehill has not missed a start since the seventh game of the 2019 season.

He is currently tied with George Blanda for the most wins by a quarterback during their first four seasons with the franchise at 36.

Tannehill is 34-15 in the regular season and 36-18 including the playoffs.

The Titans also raised defensive lineman Larrell Murchison and quarterback Logan Woodside from the practice squad. Defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons is in doubt for Sunday’s game with a sprained left ankle.

Tennessee has four straight wins and still has two-time NFL champion Derrick Henry, currently fourth in the league coming in this week with 504 yards rushing. The Texans (1-4-1) are in last place in the NFL, defending against the run.

After getting injured against the Colts, Tannehill returned but hasn’t fully practiced this week