How Will Levis’ Season-Ending Surgery Impacts No. 1 Pick Cam Ward, Titans

National Football League

How Will Levis’ Season-Ending Surgery Impact No. 1 Pick Cam Ward and the Titans

Updated Jul. 22, 2025, 10:24 a.m. ET

Throughout the offseason, the Tennessee Titans were very deliberate in managing Cam Ward’s adjustment process. “There’s so much work to be done between now and the season, particularly for him,” said coach Brian Callahan in May. “[There are] many things that you have to learn as a young quarterback. So I don’t get too caught up in the [starting QB] narrative personally with him.” Ward’s growth has been evaluated on a daily basis, rather than by how close he is to starting or becoming a franchise quarterback. Callahan didn’t even name Ward as the starter in the spring, despite the fact that the No. 1 overall pick is widely anticipated to be Tennessee’s QB1 come opening day.

With odds of +350 to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, it was clear there were no doubts around the league regarding Ward’s starting role. However, Callahan spoke in a measured tone, and a significant reason for this was Will Levis. The former second-round pick’s struggles last season have influenced Tennessee’s strategy. Levis had no competition for the QB1 position at the start of last year; he was given the starting job as soon as Callahan took over as head coach in January 2024. The results, however, were disappointing: in 12 starts, Levis only managed a 2-10 record and tied for the league’s highest number of turnovers with 18.

Nevertheless, Levis’s presence had value for the 2025 Titans ph go jackpot login registration. With the recent announcement that Levis will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery, that value is now eliminated. “We support his decision to focus on his long-term health,” the Titans stated. “He approached the offseason with professionalism and demonstrated clear growth as a leader. We remain confident in his full recovery.”

At the very least, Levis was Tennessee’s best backup behind Ward. The team’s only other options currently are Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle, both of whom were signed this offseason. Together, they have started a combined total of just 15 games in 11 NFL seasons. Expect the Titans to pursue a veteran with significant starting experience to bolster the quarterback room. With Will Levis unavailable, Cam Ward’s backups are Brandon Allen (No. 10) and Tim Boyle (No. 15), who have recorded only two wins combined as starting NFL quarterbacks.

Levis was a player who could challenge the No. 1 pick in practice (as he did in some moments during the offseason program, where he had a solid performance). He was certainly capable of stepping in as a starter if needed, providing Tennessee the flexibility to develop Ward at a more manageable pace. Now, with Levis sidelined, there’s no more safety net for Ward and the Titans. His rapid progress must commence in training camp, which begins on Wednesday.

This is especially crucial given the daunting challenge they face in Week 1 when the Titans travel to play against the Denver Broncos. A playoff team in 2024, the Broncos boast an elite defense that has only improved on paper this offseason with the additions of first-round pick Jahdae Barron and former 49ers Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga. The Broncos ranked first in the NFL last season in EPA allowed per pass and quarterback pressures, and third in pressure rate and points allowed, according to Next Gen Stats. They utilize an aggressive defensive tactic under seasoned coordinator Vance Joseph, who will be keen to challenge a rookie quarterback like Ward. Denver had the fourth-highest blitz rate in the league last season. It’s not an ideal debut for an inexperienced passer.

The silver lining for the Titans is that Ward appears ready for the challenge. He displayed consistent improvement in offseason practices, demonstrating an early comfort level in targeting the middle of the field. He bounced back from interceptions and missed opportunities with significant plays, including touchdown passes. milyon88 com ph Ward wasn’t shy about challenging his trash-talking defensive teammates, including Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. As an untested rookie, Ward has shown the Titans more than they could have hoped for before the commencement of training camp. ph fun slot

“We needed a little bit of edge to us… Cam has a bit of that in him,” said offensive coordinator Nick Holz in June. “And everybody feeds off of that, which is positive. 773 pub.com”

While the Titans have lost a safety net with Levis’ decision to have surgery, the timing certainly exacerbates the situation. However, Ward was destined to rise above the safety net sooner or later bmw 55 casino login. That’s the expectation for a No. 1 pick; that’s what a franchise quarterback does. Will Cam Ward be able to step up to the challenge?