With the injury to Will Levis, first-round pick Cam Ward will win the Tennessee Titans’ quarterback competition.
Will Levis Suffers Shoulder Injury
#Titans QB Will Levis will undergo surgery on his throwing shoulder, sources say, ending his 2025 season. Surgery is July 29.
Levis has elected to have the procedure to ensure long-term health, based on medical opinions, one that should help him be ready for the 2026 season. pic.twitter.com/9ZGWqeGGt5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 21, 2025
Levis’ 2025 campaign is over before Week 1.
Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Levis will undergo surgery on his right shoulder and miss the entire 2025 season.
The organization later released a statement in support of Levis.
“After consulting with doctors and his representatives, Will Levis has decided to undergo shoulder surgery that will sideline him for the entire 2025 season,” the team said in a statement via Titans.com. “We support his decision to focus on his long-term health. He approached the offseason with professionalism and showed clear growth as a leader. We remain confident in his full recovery.”
Levis is scheduled for surgery on July 29. The quarterback has been dealing with an injury to his throwing shoulder since he suffered it in an October game against the Miami Dolphins. Rapoport’s report mentioned that Levis elected to undergo surgery to “ensure his long-term health.”
Levis tried to power through the injury during minicamp this offseason. However, rest and rehab are not enough to alleviate the pain, with surgery being the best option.
The Titans selected Levis in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Titans viewed Levis as a candidate to become their franchise quarterback for years to come. While Levis has the physical traits — a strong arm and a powerful build — to compete in the NFL, he has struggled to make any progress in his development.
Levis has thrown for 3,899 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions with a 61.0 completion percentage in 21 games over two seasons. Levis is 5-16 as the Titans’ starter.
Cam Ward Poised To Start At QB For The Titans
I saw someone say this earlier and I agree …Cam Ward gotta be the least talked about unanimous number one pick of all time heading into camp. Entire draft was a crapshoot but everyone without hesitation said he is the one yet his name hasn't come up since draft night. pic.twitter.com/JSByLscE4h
— Cerrone Battle (@Cerrone_Battle) July 21, 2025
The Titans selected Ward with the No. 1 overall pick. Though head coach Brian Callahan never announced the starter, Ward was the prohibitive frontrunner to win the job.
With Levis out, Ward is all but guaranteed to become the starting quarterback, barring an injury.
Ward is coming off a sensational 2024 season with the Miami Hurricanes. He threw for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns with a 67.2 completion percentage.
The 6-foot-2, 218-pound quarterback has a rocket arm that should translate to the NFL.
With Levis opting for surgery, the Titans’ backup quarterback position becomes one of importance. Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle are the veteran quarterbacks on the roster. The duo is a combined 2-13 in 15 career starts. Neither quarterback will beat out Ward in training camp.
It does make you wonder if the Titans will sign another veteran or trade for one on another roster.