Titans QB Will Levis Expected To Start Against Texans

Will Levis is expected back in the starting lineup for Sunday's AFC South matchup.

The Houston Texans will be facing the rookie from Nashville come Sunday afternoon. 

Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel announced Friday that Will Levis is expected to start at NRG Stadium after missing last week's game with an ankle injury. Levis is the hopeful long-term answer for the Titans (5-10) at quarterback after mixed results in 2023. 

"He's in line to start," Titans coach Mike Vrabel said. "That's good. Being able to get him back and continue to get this work and help us find a way to win a road game within the division."

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) dives in for a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023 :: Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean-USA TODAY NETWORK

Levis, who was sacked seven times in a 19-16 overtime loss to Houston two weeks ago, returned to practice at full speed on Wednesday. His ankle was tapped up for reps, but it didn't seem to hinder his motion with the offense. 

"I just want to play ball," Levis told reporters Wednesday. "I just want to go out there and win games and leave this season with a good taste in our mouth. We've had some tough losses. 

"There's an opportunity to put a new version of us on tape against that same (Texans) defense, (and that's) going to be exciting."

Drafted out of Kentucky last April, the second-round pick has started eight games this season, posting a 3-5 record. He's thrown for 1,792 yards with eight touchdowns and four interceptions.

With the postseason out of the picture, Levis is focused on building a rapport with his receivers to create winning drives and end the season on a high note. The Titans also play Jacksonville in the season finale, which could determine the AFC South winner depending on the matchups this weekend. 

"I just want to win games," Levis said. "I am not as much excited about (being a spoiler) as I am about just winning a football game."

Houston (8-7) will turn back to rookie C.J. Stroud for the first time since Week 14 after the rookie cleared concussion protocol. Case Keenum started the last two games and produced mixed results, throwing a touchdown against three interceptions while posting a 1-1 record. 

Stroud, who led the NFL in passing yards (3,631), returned to practice for the first time Wednesday after clearing the first stages of the concussion test. He was fully cleared Thursday and spoke to the media for the first time in three weeks. 

"It was great being back," Stroud said Thursday. "I missed it. This is just kind of something that I guess God wanted me to go through. It was tough. It wasn't easy. But my teammates held it down as best as they could and I appreciate them for that. I'm back and happy to be here."

C.J. Stroud Looks 'Same As He Always Has' After Injury

Houston must win its last two games to make the AFC postseason. Currently tied for first place in the AFC South, the Texans are the No. 8 seed in the AFC after losing to Indianapolis in Week 2. 

The Texans close out the regular season next week against the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium for what could determine either the division or final wild card spot.