NFL Rumors: Tennessee Titans Quarterback Ryan Tannehill to Avoid Surgery

The Tennessee Titans have apparently avoided catastrophe at the quarterback position. According to ESPN's Jeff Darlington, Ryan Tannehill will not require surgery after being diagnosed with a high ankle sprain following the Titans' Week 6 24-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Unlike last year when Titans QB Ryan Tannehill suffered a similar ankle injury, I’m told Tannehill will NOT require surgery this time around. He’s currently in a cast diagnosed with a high ankle sprain, and there’s no definitive timeline for recovery… but “overall good news.” pic.twitter.com/u2WKtqG5Xr
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) October 17, 2023

Tannehill exited Sunday's game in London, England late in the third quarter after completing eight of 16 passes for 76 yards and an interception. He suffered a similar ankle injury in Week 7 of 2022, initially missing two starts but eventually totalling five missed games after aggravating the injury late in the season.

For a time, Tannehill was one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the league: from 2019 to 2021, he averaged an impressive 6.85 net yards per passing attempt while amassing an excellent 30-13 record. Unfortunately, the one-time Pro Bowler has struggled in recent times, winning only eight of his last 18 starts while averaging a mere 203.6 passing yards per game and totalling 12 interceptions and six fumbles.

Still, the Titans should be thankful Tannehill's injury won't end his season; backup quarterback Malik Willis represents a significant downgrade. The 2022 third-round pick has been disastrous in his 10 career appearances, averaging a sack on a preposterous 17.5% of his dropbacks and netting a mere 3.39 passing yards per attempt.

It remains to be seen how much time Tannehill will miss. Luckily, the Titans have a bye in Week 7, so they should be able to stay alive in the AFC South while Tannehill recovers. At 2-4, they are two games behind the division-leading 4-2 Jacksonville Jaguars.