NASHVILLE — Quarterback Will Levis was a full participant in Thursday's practice for the Tennessee Titans (2-6). Any momentum is a positive as he seeks to return to the lineup this Sunday when his team travels to face the Los Angeles Chargers (5-3). 

Levis missed Tennessee's last three games while rehabbing a a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder.

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Will Levis Trending In The Right Direction

Coach Brian Callahan maintained that the team would go back to Levis when he returns to 100% health this week.

The injury has been a difficult one to manage. Staying sharp at the quarterback position requires routine throwing to maintain his connection with the Titans skill players, precision and timing. How does one accomplish those things when the act of throwing itself might set back the rehabilitation process?

"I just want to make sure that I can go out there and make all the throws the way that I could before I got hurt," said Levis. "It's an every day process of testing different things of coming off the field, monitoring my soreness and pain level throughout the day."

For Levis, it is less about managing the discomfort than it is about maintaining his strength.

Whether it is this weekend in Los Angeles or further down the road, Tennessee's quarterback situation will be fascinating to watch play out. Winning games is always the priority, but getting the best possible evaluation on Levis' present and future viability is equally important. 

It was a slog for the second-year pro this season when he has been able to play, marred by questionable decision-making and turnovers.

Levis has not successfully quarterback the Titans to a win since Dec. 11, 2023. He has appeared in five of the team's eight games in 2024, throwing for 699 yards with five touchdowns and seven interceptions. Callahan's steadfast handling of the situation has at least allowed some of the pressure compounding around Levis to subside. 

"I'm just going to keep trying to operate the offense the best that I can," Levis said. "I feel like I've gotten better, and I think I'll show improvement in that area. I'm not going into this second stint of the season being like 'Oh, I have to play this way or the other way.' I think you can get into trouble when you think like that."

No one knows what it will look like when Levis does return to action. 

Rudolph has produced the best quarterback play for Tennessee so far this season in his reserve role. Including the team's second win of the season in Week 9, the veteran has thrown for 806 yards with four touchdowns and four interception in four appearances with three starts. It has bought Levis time, while also allowing for speculation as to which quarterback actually gives the Titans the best chance to win.

The best the young passer can do right now is to not press himself into more difficult situations than absolutely necessary.

Titans coach has rare humanizing moment after rollercoaster win over Patriots

Tennessee stopped the bleeding.

Featured Image: USA TODAY Sports.