What happened to Malik Willis? Reason why Titans QB isn't playing tonight vs. Cowboys revealed

Malik Willis was listed as the backup quarterback to Joshua Dobbs when the Tennessee Titans took on the Dallas Cowboys today in Thursday Night football. It was seen as quite the surprise because Dobbs only joined the team on December 21, whereas Willis has been the regular backup to Ryan Tannehill.

However, circumstances have dictated why they have ended up in this situation. The Tennessee Titans have a critical game coming up next week. They play the Jacksonville Jaguars, with both teams tied with a 7-8 record. Even if the Titans lose this week, they will only be one game behind going into next week if Jacksonville wins.

Defeating the Jaguars will clinch the division for them. So this game is basically a free hit for them.

Then there is the situation where Ryan Tannehill has been placed on injured reserve. This means that they do not expect him to be back either next week or deep into the playoffs (if they get there). So it comes down to Joshua Dobbs and Malik Willis.

They need both their quarterbacks to be familiar with the offense going into next week. Hence, it made a lot of sense for Dobbs to start in this game to get some action with the offense and familiarize himself.

Malik Willis is expected to be back next week

Malik Willis is expected to return for the game next week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Unless there is a mind-blowing performance by Joshua Dobbs this week, this situation is not expected to change going into next week.

Malik Willis has not had the best of seasons, starting as the backup quarterback for Ryan Tannehill. He has not thrown for a single touchdown this season but has thrown three interceptions. This is not a good look for any quarterback.

Particularly concerning for the Titans was his performance last week against the Houston Texans. They played the worst team in the NFL and instead of breaking their losing streak, he threw for zero touchdowns and two interceptions. He finished with a 34.5 passer rating.

Next week, if he does play as he is expected to, he will come up against an ascendant Jacksonville Jaguars with the divisional top seed on the line. Facing him as the opposing quarterback will be Trevor Lawrence, who has started to show glimpses of his potential this season. If he has to prove himself, Malik Willis will have to do it with the season on the line.