KANSAS CITY — When the Tennessee Titans (5-2) head to Arrowhead Stadium for Sunday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs, starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill's availability will be very much in question. Coach Mike Vrabel called Tannehill a game-time decision with media on Friday.

Tannehill's status is currently trending towards doubtful, per sources.

The veteran QB is still considered questionable according to the team’s final injury report.

Tannehill has struggled considerably with the right ankle sprain he suffered in the Titans Oct. 23 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. He did travel with the team to Kansas City on Saturday, as reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Tannehill was a limited participant in two of Tennessee's three practices this week, missing all of Thursday's on-field work.

According to multiple sources, Tannehill has struggled with the injury in the last two weeks. The quarterback's mobility is critical to the Titans offense, particularly in the red zone where they have thrived thus far this year. Of greater concern, however, is that Tannehill's ability to simply execute dropping back in the pocket has been affected by the sprain.

Getting the ball out becomes far more difficult if he cannot plant on his right foot effectively before hitching back up in the pocket to release the throw.

ESPN's Adam Schefter mentioned via Twitter on Sunday morning that the injury was a possible high-ankle sprain after Tannehill, which would involve a significantly longer recovery process.

Several quarterbacks have dealt with high ankle sprains already this season. Patriots quarterback Mac Jones suffered one that was described as "pretty severe" in late September by Rapoport. Jones missed Weeks 4-6 before returning to the line-up in New England's Week 7 loss to the Chicago Bears. Carolina Panthers quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold both have dealt with high ankle sprains in 2022 as well.

Darnold is the only one of the three that required an Injured Reserve stint.

The Titans beat the Houston Texans in Week 8 without the veteran, giving rookie Malik Willis his first career start. Logan Woodside was elevated from the practice squad on Saturday as an insurance policy should the rookie be called upon to start again.

Without Tannehill in Week 8, Tennessee leaned heavily on running back Derrick Henry. The two-time Pro Bowler literally carried the Titans offense across the finish line with 219 yards on 32 attempts and two touchdowns.

More on Tannehill's update LIVE on Titan Game Day Morning, beginning 11:30a central.

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Defensively, Jim Wyatt of the team's official website noted that the 161 yards allowed by Tennessee against the Texans kept them in the game with their sixth-best defensive performance since the team officially became the Titans in 1999. It was the fourth consecutive game in which Tennessee's defense had at least three sacks and an interception while holding the opposing offense to 65 rushing yards or less, per the team's PR. They will need another spectacular performance to manage Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes on Sunday night..

Willis struggled with timing and accuracy in his first start, completing just six of his 10 passing attempts for 55 yards and an interception. Tennessee only opted to throw the ball one time in the entire second half.

Tannehill has completed 65% of his passes for 1,097 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions this season. He has totaled 29 rushing yards and a touchdown, as well.

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