The Titans were expected to start quarterback Josh Dobbs; Malik Willis will be a backup against the Cowboys

The Tennessee Titans have two of their quarterbacks on the sidelines for their Week 17 matchup on Thursday night.

Veteran starter Ryan Tannehill was already on the shelf due to a recent ankle injury, but now rookie quarterback Malik Willis is also expected to sit out against the Dallas Cowboys.

The team will start with recently signed quarterback Joshua Dobbs, according to a report from CBS Sports.

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Joshua Dobbs of the Cleveland Browns warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 27, 2022 in Cleveland.
(Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

The move is somewhat surprising considering that Dobbs was cut from the Detroit Lions’ practice squad a little over a week ago.

The sixth-round draft pick has never started an NFL game.

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The Titans took Willis in the third round of this year’s draft. The former Liberty University standout has already stepped in to start a handful of games this season when Tannehill went down with an injury.

Willis has a 1-2 record as a starter and has yet to show the franchise that he’s ready to take the reins as a future starter.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis passes against the Houston Texans during the first half of a game on October 30, 2022 in Houston.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis passes against the Houston Texans during the first half of a game on October 30, 2022 in Houston.
(AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Willis has completed 50.8% of his passes for 276 yards and three interceptions.

Willis was seen as a project coming out of college and still needs to develop as a passer. The rookie was an exceptional running back at the college level.

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Willis has racked up 123 rushing yards and has one rushing touchdown on the season.

Dobbs has been in the NFL since 2017 and spent his early years with the Steelers. Since then, he has primarily been a journeyman, serving primarily as a backup with the Jaguars, Browns and Lions. He rejoined the Steelers in 2020.

In his career, Dobbs has completed 10 passes for 45 yards and one interception.

Joshua Dobbs of the Cleveland Browns warms up before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 13, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Joshua Dobbs of the Cleveland Browns warms up before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 13, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
(Eric Espada/Getty Images)

Thursday’s matchup with the Cowboys is mostly inconsequential for Tennessee when it comes to its playoff hopes this season.

Tennessee can afford to lose Thursday’s game and still make the playoffs. The result of the Titans’ Week 18 matchup against the Jaguars will determine the winner of the AFC South.

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Titans head coach Mike Vrabel previously ruled out Jeffery Simmons and other key contributors for Thursday night. Star running back Derrick Henry was officially listed as doubtful heading into the game and he is also not expected to play.

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