
Tennessee Titans QB Will Levis will have season-ending shoulder surgery
The Titans announced Monday that Levis made his decision after consulting with doctors and his representatives. The Titans report Tuesday for training camp.
'We support his decision to focus on his long-term health,' the Titans said in a statement. 'He approached the offseason with professionalism and showed clear growth as a leader. We remain confident in his full recovery.'
Will Levis to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. Story: https://t.co/oEXz8RbqKN pic.twitter.com/i6cPHBuzMt Tennessee, which wrapped up its minicamp June 12, doesn't open the preseason until August 9 at Tampa Bay with the regular-season opener September 7 at Denver. Levis' surgery is scheduled for July 29.
The Titans used the No. 1 overall pick on quarterback Cam Ward in April after Levis struggled mightily starting 12 games in 2024. He threw for 2,091 yards, but he had 13 TD passes with 12 interceptions. He was sacked 41 times as Tennessee went 3-14 to land the top draft pick.
Tennessee also added veteran quarterbacks Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle this offseason.
Levis was the 33rd overall pick in 2023 when Tennessee's previous general manager Ran Carthon traded up to select the quarterback out of Kentucky. Carthon lasted just two seasons before being fired in January.
The quarterback started 12 games in 2024 after spraining the AC joint in his right, throwing shoulder September 30 against Miami while diving for a first down. Tennessee had a bye, then Levis played against Indianapolis in a home loss by three points after a late-game interception.
Levis admitted after the game his shoulder played a part in that late pick. He was sidelined the next three games before returning.
After the Titans took Ward in the draft, coach Brian Callahan rotated quarterbacks during the offseason program with no starter announced, which he said he planned to continue into training camp. Still, Ward is expected to be the starter when the Titans open the regular season.
That seemed to leave the competition for the No. 2 position wide open for Levis, who took part throughout the team's offseason program. He told reporters in June he felt more comfortable in his second season in Callahan's offense and was looking forward to training camp.
'I feel like I'm starting to get to that point as a quarterback, and it's just cool to feel that and see it and show everyone else here,' Levis said during minicamp.
The Titans announced late Monday afternoon the last of their nine draft picks signed his rookie contract.
Linebacker Oluwafemi Oladejo was the 52nd selection overall in the second round. He started 27 of 46 games, switching to edge rusher last year season when he had 4.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss at UCLA.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
28 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Argyle have 'clicked' after big win
Plymouth Argyle head coach Tom Cleverley feels his side have "clicked" after their 6-0 pre-season win over Torquay United. Xavier Amaechi's goal gave the Pilgrims a 1-0 lead at half-time before the new signing added an excellent second after the break. A Bim Pepple effort plus two goals from Joe Edwards and one from Bali Mumba completed the victory at Argyle's National League South neighbours. "There were four or five really important players missing this evening, but it just shows you we've got some good depth," said Cleverley, who was without the likes of Caleb Watts, Conor Hazard and Julio Pleguezuelo. "We're still working hard to maybe bring a couple more in, but I think tonight was the evening where it clicked. "We should take confidence, but not be complacent. I don't expect 6-0 every game, but it felt a bit more like a normal game for me as a coach and easy to plan for." Amaechi impresses after summer move Amaechi's two goals at Torquay came as many Argyle fans got their first chance to see the winger who moved from German side FC Magdeburg on a three-year deal earlier this summer. The former England youth international has impressed in his short time in pre-season at Home Park as the Pilgrims aim for an immediate return to the Championship after relegation to League One. "I'll always be the type to keep a lid on that, but he's a very intelligent player, athletic but quick," Cleverley told BBC Radio Devon. "The best thing for me as the coach is if you want to double up on the inside on Xavier he can go down the outside as well - he's an incredibly talented footballer. "You saw that with his goals tonight - including the in-house game we had at the weekend that's five goals in pre-season now, including the one behind closed doors. "He's got some good numbers behind him in pre-season and the rest of the lads know it wasn't just about his performance tonight, but it was certainly exciting." Cleverley is still hopeful he can sign another new striker before the start of the season, although it is unlikely any arrival will be available in time for his side's final pre-season game with Bristol City on Saturday. "The club are working really hard to identify, and then to get that move over the line, and of course you need the other club to tango as well," he said. "While I've got my eye on the team and the tactics, part of my role is to help with the recruitment side of it now and it's a position I think Owen (Oseni) and Bim (Pepple) have come in and done excellent in pre-season, but we need one more. "It's a significant deal that we're trying to do. I always say when pen goes to paper these things are done and we are working hard to get them." Plymouth Argyle Cleverley still chasing two first-choice Argyle players


New York Times
30 minutes ago
- New York Times
Morgan Gibbs-White joins Nottingham Forest for training camp in Portugal amid Tottenham interest
Morgan Gibbs-White has flown out to Portugal to join the Nottingham Forest training camp. The attacking midfielder did not initially join up with the rest of the squad when they flew out on Monday but has done so after being allowed extra time at home because of a private family matter. Nuno Espirito Santo's side are preparing for friendly games against Fulham on Saturday and Estoril on Wednesday. Advertisement Gibbs-White has found himself at the centre of a transfer wrangle with Tottenham, after the London club made a £60million bid for Forest's most important player on July 10. Forest were frustrated that Spurs' bid happened to precisely match a confidential release clause in Gibbs-White's contract and that they had not given their permission for talks to proceed with the player. Gibbs-White played for Forest in their last pre-season game, against Monaco at Chesterfield, when the England man applauded the Forest fans, before making a heart shape with his hands, as he was substituted at half-time. Forest are in an awkward position with Gibbs-White having two years remaining on the contract he signed when he joined in a £25m, possibly rising to £42m, deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2022. The player has so far not agreed to put pen to paper on a new deal. Forest had already sold Anthony Elanga to Newcastle for £52m, a decision they might have made differently had they been aware of the situation that was arising with Gibbs-White. In the meantime, Forest continue to work to add to their own ranks, with Dan Ndoye of Bologna and James McAtee of Manchester City high on their list of targets.

Boston Globe
an hour ago
- Boston Globe
John Streicher is Mike Vrabel's version of Ernie Adams, and that's not all: ‘This guy is going to run an organization one day'
But that does a disservice to both, particularly Streicher. The 35-year-old is a rangy 6-foot-7-inch former high school basketball player who defines the term 'football multitasker.' Advertisement Whether it's engaging with players while bouncing from one position group to another, taking notes and relaying information to and from the head coach, or keeping a close eye on a drill, Streicher has versatility as a coach and administrator. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up You combine that with an already impressive résumé, a thirst for innovation, and a world-class ability when it comes to recall, and it's easy to understand why he's already considered 'a rising star' in the NFL, according to Rams coach Sean McVay. 'This guy has checked every box, and continues to progress in his career,' said McVay, who had Streicher as the Rams' game-management coordinator for the 2024 season. 'He's made a tremendous difference, a tremendous impact with everyone he's around. He's absolutely someone who is a rising star in this profession. Advertisement 'I think that what you understand about Ernie, there's a respect and influence and reverence, and you saw that in how much Bill relied on him because of how smart and informed Ernie was. I never met Ernie, but I can say that when you look at Stretch and his ability to impact change, there's some comparison here. His ability to understand the game from an all-22 perspective is an incredible tool.' John Streicher worked out with a Rams player during a practice in 2024. Brevin Townsell/ LA Rams Streicher speaks cautiously but warmly, with a certain Midwestern ease. Talking to him for a few moments, it's easy to see why he's developed a legion of fiercely loyal supporters. When approached for comment for this story, at least one of his friends checked with Streicher to see if it was OK. 'He's such a great person,' said Everett Withers, a coach who worked with Streicher at multiple stops, including Ohio State. 'And he knows his [stuff].' Streicher's relationship with Vrabel is at the heart of his football journey. 'He's meant a lot to me,' said Vrabel, who called Streicher his 'best friend' in 2022. 'He's meant a lot to the success that we had in Tennessee. His growth, in this business of NFL football, the connections that he makes with our staff and our players. 'They know that he's an extension of me. If they need to, maybe they don't have a strong enough connection with me to say something, they'll certainly be able to find an avenue with Stretch as a point of contact.' 'He had all the facts' As a teenager, Streicher was more into basketball than football. A native of Cincinnati, he played two years on varsity at Oak Hill High School. His high school coach, Mike Price, said Streicher considered a partial scholarship to Marian University, but opted to attend Ohio State. Advertisement Streicher didn't play in college. He started as an equipment manager for the Buckeyes, and became a student assistant coach before graduating in 2012 with a degree in animal science. (He added a graduate degree two years later in community leadership.) Each assistant coach had an assistant of their own. Ron Miles, who went on to work as a Patriots scouting assistant, was with Vrabel; Streicher was paired with Withers, who coached at Ohio State from 2012-13. While other student assistants were able to land some extra amenities — Jen Vrabel made sure Miles had an inflatable bed, for example — Streicher found other accommodations. 'Stretch lived in a damn broom closet,' Withers said. It was that sort of sacrifice that distinguished Streicher in Columbus. And while people praised his willingness to embrace the grunt work, it was his ability to remember everything that allowed him to stand out. Everett Withers (left) and John Streicher threw out first pitches in Texas in 2017. Courtesy/Everett Withers 'We all know the guys who are like the 'Stump the Schwab' guys,' said Tyler Carpenter, who became friendly with Streicher when the two were together as student managers. 'He was one of those guys. He had all the facts.' Streicher's connection with Vrabel was cemented when the former Patriots linebacker would spend Tuesday nights in the office talking football. That progressed to having Streicher and Miles house-sit for Vrabel when the coach would take his family to baseball tournaments. The moment Miles realized Streicher was a different breed was at the end of the 2013 Ohio State-Michigan game. The Wolverines scored with 32 seconds left to cut the Buckeyes' lead to 42-41, and were set to go for 2. Miles said Streicher was able to recall earlier in the year when Michigan was in the same spot. Advertisement 'We called the coverage that rolled a safety down to that side of the field, and [Tyvis Powell] was right there,' Miles said. ' 'I remember thinking, 'Son of a gun, this dude is going to be good.' ' Learning and growing While Vrabel left to join the Texans, Streicher followed Withers from Ohio State to James Madison in 2014, and to Texas State two years after that. Every step was marked with an innovative approach, a fastidious attention to detail, and that same upbeat attitude. But there was always the understanding among everyone that when — not if — Vrabel became a head coach, Streicher would be one of his first hires. So when Vrabel was named head coach of the Titans in 2018, Withers wasn't surprised Vrabel reached out. 'I knew exactly what the call was about,' Withers said. 'I think Mike — all along — had an eye on Stretch, that when something came up bigger than what I could offer, then Mike was going to come to him.' Streicher spent six seasons in Tennessee from 2018-23, leaving his fingerprints in just about every aspect of the operation. He dissected game film with players, managed coaches' schedules, and even stepped in for Vrabel on the sideline when he was out with COVID in 2021. But that journey came to an end when Vrabel got fired in January 2024. Vrabel spent a year as a consultant with the Browns while Streicher took a job with McVay and the Rams. Advertisement 'He's so smart, and has such great wisdom and poise for his age,' McVay said. 'His value on game day was especially awesome. I remember always being impressed by Tennessee from afar when it came to the way they handled things.' McVay pointed specifically to end-of-half and end-of-game situations, as well as Streicher's communication skills, as his biggest strengths. 'He was able to help create clarity for the players on what they needed to do and when,' McVay said. 'And he did such a great job educating me and being very clear. He was always so clear; just a clarity and a courage and poise — especially on game day — that I really respected.' McVay also knew it was just a matter of time before Vrabel got another head coaching job … which meant Streicher would be on the move. When Vrabel was hired by the Patriots, the call came once again. McVay could have prevented Streicher from leaving but knew it was more than football. 'He's Mike's guy,' said McVay. 'The thing that struck me was that Stretch earned the opportunity to have a significant role in New England. There are just a lot of things in alignment there, with where he wanted to continue to progress. It's a cool option for him. 'We didn't get better by losing him. We were only fortunate to get him because of what happened in Tennessee. Mike has always been good to me, I thought it was the right thing to do.' 'This guy is going to run an organization' As McVay suggested, it seems Streicher will be in New England for the near future. But it's natural to wonder about the next step. Advertisement Adams tied himself to Belichick for the duration of his career with the Patriots, and the relationship between Vrabel and Streicher suggests the same. But would a bigger job offer for Streicher — such as the chance to run his own team — ever preclude that possibility? He's acknowledged that it's his desire to be an NFL general manager, and those who know Streicher say that could happen sooner rather than later. 'This guy is going to run an organization one day. He's going to be a GM or a president of an organization one day. I don't have any doubt in my mind,' Withers said. 'I personally don't see Stretch as a coach. I see him bigger than that.' In the meantime, Streicher's friends agree that the most impactful Patriots pickup of the offseason was a former high school basketball star who won't catch a pass or throw for a touchdown. 'They're getting a very loyal guy who is very smart. He's down to earth with very little ego. Whatever needs to get done, he gets it done,' Withers said. 'He's one of those guys who will do everything to help the Patriots organization win a Super Bowl.' Christopher Price can be reached at