According to Will Levis, if he can walk onto the field Sunday, he wants to start when the Tennessee Titans host the Seattle Seahawks in Nashville, Tenn.
Levis sprained his left ankle during the Titans’ 19-16 overtime loss to Houston last week, which officially eliminated Tennessee (5-9) from playoff contention.
“I’m playing if I’m able to, and I’m just working on trying to get to that point,” he said. “That is all I can do.” I’m working with the training staff, listening to everything I can, and treating my body properly.”
Levis, the 33rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is 3-5 since taking over for the injured Ryan Tannehill in mid-October.
Coach Mike Vrabel said Tannehill would start if Levis is unable to play due to an ankle injury that is similar to the one that forced Tannehill to sit out eight weeks ago.
“Obviously, you try to prepare as a starter every week, but a week like this week it’s a little more intense and just trying to make sure on top of everything,” Tannehill said in an interview.
Levis was among 14 Titans who did not practice this week due to injuries. Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons (right knee), who has missed the last two games, was on the list, as were right guard Daniel Brunskill (ankle) and wide receiver Treylon Burks (illness). Center Aaron Brewer (ankle), wide receivers Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (hand) and Kyle Philips (hamstring), tight end Trevon Wesco (shin), defensive lineman TK McClendon (shoulder), linebackers Jack Gibbens (back) and Luke Gifford (hamstring), cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (hip), and safeties Amani Hooker (knee) and K’Von Wallace (quadriceps).
Last weekend, the Titans allowed seven sacks despite starting two rookies on the left side of their offensive line and a third starter at right tackle. Derrick Henry, a two-time NFL rushing champion, had his worst game as a pro, gaining only 9 yards on 16 attempts.
“We understand that Derrick’s got a certain running style and great skill set,” Vrabel went on to say. “We have to get him moving, give him space, and get him to the second level.” He, in turn, must be able to assist the offensive line and receivers.”
The Seahawks (7-7) are expecting Geno Smith after backup Drew Lock rallied them to a 20-17 win over visiting Philadelphia on Monday night. Lock completed a 92-yard drive with a 29-yard touchdown pass to rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba with 28 seconds left, reviving Seattle’s postseason hopes.
“I think it was just the over-the-top of feeling of you don’t get very many moments, you don’t very many opportunities in this league,” Lock went on to say.
The Seahawks have ended a four-game losing streak and are one of several teams with.500 records vying for the conference’s final two playoff spots.
Smith (groin) has missed the previous two games, but he warmed up Monday night and played in the game.
“(Smith) will practice all week, play in the game, and then we’re off,” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll told Seattle Sports. ” … He might have done well (if he had played on Monday), but we bought him another week and he’s now ready to go. He’ll have a week to prepare.”
Running back Kenneth Walker III (shoulder), wide receiver Dee Eskridge (ribs), cornerback Devon Witherspoon (hip), and safety Jamal Adams (knee) all missed practice this week due to injuries.
Safety Julian Love, who had two fourth-quarter interceptions against the Eagles, was absent from practice due to his wife’s pregnancy.
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