NASHVILLE – Josh Dobbs will start at quarterback for the Titans in Saturday's pivotal AFC South showdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Titans head coach Mike Vrabel made the announcement on Monday.
"Josh will be our quarterback," Vrabel said. "I've talked to both quarterbacks and let them know that Josh will be our quarterback for this week and Malik has to continue to prepare like a starter. I am fairly confident Malik is going to do something to help us win in this football game. So, I am hopeful – and I know he will – continue to prepare like he has and continue to improve throughout practice."
The winner of Saturday's game, scheduled for 7:15 p.m. at TIAA Bank Stadium in Jacksonville, will win the AFC South.
"I think he is ready for the opportunity and is looking forward to it," Vrabel said of Dobbs. "The message to Malik is to continue doing what he has been doing, which is continue to study, continue to use the practice reps to his advantage, to help the game slow down for him when he is out there, that is the most important thing."
In his first NFL start, Dobbs completed 20-of-39 passes for 232 yards and a touchdown in Thursday night's loss to the Cowboys. Dobbs also threw an interception, and he lost a fumble. He posted a passer rating of 67.5.
Willis has started three games this season, and the Titans are 1-2 in those starts. Willis has completed 31-of-61 passes for 276 yards, with zero touchdowns and three interceptions, with a passer rating of 42.8.
Last week, the Titans placed Ryan Tannehill on Injured Reserve.
Later that same day, Dobbs was the starter against the Cowboys after signing with the team just eight days earlier, and Willis was the No. 2 QB.
"I thought he was decisive, and he did a nice job of progressing through when we gave him time," Vrabel said of Dobbs and his first start. "I thought he tried to take the opportunity and run with it and lead. I just think he gives us the best chance right now."
