Ryan Tannehill out, Titans to start QB Malik Willis vs Houston

Rookie Malik Willis has the Tennessee Titans' playoff hopes in his hands when the Houston Texans visit on Christmas Eve, according to reports. Ryan Tannehill was ruled out by coach Mike Vrabel and reportedly will miss the rest of the season with a right ankle injury requiring season-ending surgery. Tannehill hurt his ankle absorbing a hit from Los Angeles Chargers outside linebacker Khalil Mack. Vrabel did not confirm Tannehill was out for the season when pressed on the matter Thursday afternoon. After Tannehill injured the same ankle in Week 6, Willis started in Tannehill's place in Weeks 8 and 9. He passed for 177 total yards with one interception this season. He has also rushed for 80 yards. Willis dominated the practice reps Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Teammates said he was the starter for a critical game this weekend against the Texans (1-12-1). Tennessee (7-7) has lost four games in a row and the Jacksonville Jaguars (6-8) are in position to make the AFC South division race interesting with three weeks remaining in the regular season. With Tannehill's status up in the air, the Titans signed Josh Dobbs, who played collegiately at Tennessee, off the Lions' practice squad. --Field Level Media