The Tennessee Titans have been dealt a massive blow at quarterback ahead of the 2025 season and may now be forced to make a move before September.
Shoulder Injury Puts Titans Quarterback Out for the 2025 Season
All was looking well for Tennessee this offseason after quarterback Cam Ward was taken first overall in the NFL Draft, joining a host of veteran arrivals in Nashville. With the team about to begin preseason training camp, though, the mood has been dampened by news of a significant quarterback injury.
Ward and Will Levis were expected to compete for the starting job this offseason, with Levis the team’s starter last season. Instead, though, the latter has opted for season-ending shoulder surgery after consulting doctors.
A statement from the AFC South team read: “After consulting with doctors and his representatives, Will Levis has decided to undergo shoulder surgery that will sideline him for the entire 2025 season.
“We support his decision to focus on his long-term health. He approached the offseason with professionalism and showed clear growth as a leader. We remain confident in his full recovery.”
Titans QB Will Levis will be undergoing season-ending surgery on the right shoulder injury he sustained early last year before further aggravating it later in the season. Levis has been unable to shake the discomfort and his shoulder still is bothering him.
Levis is, in the… pic.twitter.com/FPV8g5GhUi
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 21, 2025
Ward will now be the undisputed starting quarterback in 2025, a role he was expected to make on his own, regardless of Levis’ availability. Veteran backups Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle could deputize for Ward, but they won’t threaten to keep the rookie on his toes.
The most significant blow, of course, comes for Levis himself, who had been working incredibly hard this offseason to improve his game. The 2023 second-round pick has shown flashes of his ability during his two years in the NFL. A lack of consistency, however, coupled with some baffling interceptions, has led to him losing the faith of his team and its fan base.
Thirteen touchdowns to 12 interceptions (2024 passing stats) is not a record that Levis will be happy to have sitting there for a year while he rehabilitates from surgery. The former Penn State and Kentucky quarterback promised much more coming out of college, and still has plenty of time to resurrect his career.
I fear not the man who has watched 10,000 Will Levis highlights, but the man who has watched 1 Will Levis highlight 10,000 times pic.twitter.com/aDkk9w6ZgW
— Name cannot be blank (@avillionposting) May 15, 2024
The Titans will need to make a decision at the position, as Levis was the clear No. 2 ahead of Allen and Boyle before being ruled out. Neither veteran is likely to push Ward for the spot, which the team may prefer, but a capable backup is always important.
Allen has a 2-8 record as a starter in the NFL, while Boyle has lost all five of his career starts. With free agency, the draft, and much of the offseason now in the rearview mirror, though, pickings may be slim at the position. The Titans have no immediate urgency, but the situation will be one to watch in the coming weeks.
