Former University of Tennessee quarterback Josh Dobbs is starting for the Tennessee Titans against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football, Broadway Sports Justin M first reported.
The Titans signed Dobbs to their active roster last week after it became clear starter Ryan Tannehill would miss significant time with a high ankle sprain. Tannehill reportedly had “tightrope” ankle surgery — the same procedure Cedric Tillman had — giving Tennessee the need for another quarterback.
Rookie Malik Willis stepped up into the starting job in Tannehill’s absence but struggled in the Titans’ loss against Houston.
Tennessee’s Thursday Night Football matchup with Dallas has zero repercussions on its postseason hopes. No matter what the Titans or Jaguars do in week 17, the AFC South comes down to the week 18 meeting in Jacksonville.
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The Titans are expected to rest many of their banged up starters against Dallas including star running back Derrick Henry. Whether Tennessee is choosing to rest Willis or give Dobbs an audition before the winner-take-all week 18 matchup is unclear.
A 2.5-year starter for the Vols, Dobbs has bounced around Pittsburgh, Jacksonville and Cleveland as a back up or third stringer in his six-year NFL career. The Titans signed Dobbs off the Browns’ practice squad after the Georgia native backed up Jacoby Brissett while Deshaun Watson served his suspension.
Regardless, Dobbs will not be playing around a talented offense. Tennessee’s offensive line and receivers have struggled this season.
Dobbs is making the first start of his career in the Thursday Nigh Football matchup and has completed 10-of-17 career passes for 45 yards and an interception.
Kick-off from Nissan Stadium is at 8:20 p.m. ET. Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit are on the call for the Amazon Prime broadcast
