Mike Vrabel – Titans starts QB Joshua Dobbs against Jaguars

1:22 p.m. ET

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Joshua Dobbs will be the Titans’ starting quarterback in Saturday’s clash with the Jaguars for the AFC South Division title, coach Mike Vrabel announced Monday.

Dobbs, a six-year veteran, signed with the Titans less than two weeks ago and made his NFL debut against the Cowboys last Thursday night. He completed 20 of 39 passes for 232 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the 27-13 loss.

“There were some good decisions and he was crucial,” Vrabel said of Dobbs’ performance against Dallas. “He did a good job when we gave him some time. He tried to take the opportunity to run and lead. He’s giving us the best chance to win at the moment.”

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Vrabel said he met with both Dobbs and rookie Malik Willis, who served as backup quarterback for most of the season. Willis, a 2022 third-round pick by the Titans, started three games this season in place of Ryan Tannehill but was ineffective as a passer.

Willis failed to rush for 100 yards or complete a touchdown pass in any of his three starts and finished with a 50.8 completion percentage. But he rushed for 123 yards and a touchdown.

The Titans were 1-2 in Willis’ starts. Vrabel urged Willis to keep preparing like a starter and expressed his belief that the rookie can still help Titans succeed.

“I’m pretty confident that Malik will help us in this football game,” said Vrabel.

Tennessee has lost six games in a row, falling from first place in the AFC South. A Saturday night win in Jacksonville (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC) would give the Titans their third straight AFC South Division title in what would be a first in franchise history.

The Jaguars (8-8), currently in first place, won four straight games on Saturday.

Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill is out for the remainder of the regular season and likely the postseason if Tennessee qualifies after undergoing surgery for a high right ankle sprain, sources told ESPN. The Titans officially placed Tannehill on injured reserve last Thursday, meaning he will have to miss at least three more games before he can return.