Will Levis‘ 2025 marketing campaign has ended earlier than it started. The third-year Titans quarterback is ready to bear surgical procedure on his throwing shoulder, as first reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The process is scheduled for July 29. Levis has elected to prioritize his long-term well being by going underneath the knife in anticipation of the 2026 marketing campaign. Monday’s information ends the potential for any competitors between Levis and No. 1 decide Cam Ward for the beginning gig throughout coaching camp.
“After consulting with medical doctors and his representatives, Will Levis has determined to bear shoulder surgical procedure that may sideline him for the complete 2025 season,” a workforce assertion reads. “We assist his resolution to deal with his long-term well being. He approached the offseason with professionalism and confirmed clear development as a frontrunner. We stay assured in his full restoration.”
Levis took over beginning duties from Ryan Tannehill throughout his rookie season, logging 9 appearances. He largely remained atop the depth chart for 2024, the primary 12 months with new head coach Brian Callahan in place. Issues didn’t go in keeping with plan for Levis, who struggled with poor play and damage throughout the marketing campaign. As soon as the Titans secured the No. 1 decide, the chance remained {that a} new quarterback starter could be focused (particularly given Mason Rudolph‘s free agent departure).
Certainly, Ward’s showings within the pre-draft course of confirmed his standing as Tennessee’s most well-liked choice on the high of the board. He and Levis shared first-team reps throughout the spring, and the same association might have been in retailer for coaching camp. Regardless of collaborating in OTAs and minicamp, nevertheless, Levis will miss the approaching marketing campaign in its entirety.
The previous second-round decide can have one 12 months remaining on his rookie deal as soon as the 2026 season begins. That 12 months will clearly be key for Levis, who was linked to commerce rumors this offseason. The Titans have insisted no efforts were made to maneuver on from the 26-year-old, and given Monday’s information, there’ll clearly be no market in his case not less than till he returns to full well being. Ward will now enter camp much more assured of the beginning gig than he already was.
Behind him on the depth chart are veterans Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle. These two have been in place to compete for the third-string role throughout camp, with the runner-up being a launch candidate throughout roster cutdowns. As a substitute, Allen and Boyle may very well be in place to stay in place except a brand new signal-caller is introduced in throughout the summer time.
Tennessee’s success in 2025 was already going to rely largely on Ward’s improvement as a rookie. That’s particularly the case now that Levis won’t be out there as a backup choice. Because the Kentucky product’s consideration shifts to restoration, it is going to be attention-grabbing to see if the workforce pursues a depth addition for not less than the summer time.