The Tennessee Titans played four different quarterbacks in their 2026 preseason debut, a Week 1 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Starting quarterback Cam Ward struggled before initially giving way to backups Mitchell Trubisky and Will Levis. The Titans' first preseason game ended with fourth-string quarterback Hendon Hooker under center.
Ward was 5-of-12 for 57 yards, struggling with accuracy and timing. Levis also completed under 50 percent of his passing attempts, going 3-of-8. Trubisky was limited to just 2-of-3 passing.
Meanwhile Hooker was 2-of-3 for 17 yards. The former University of Tennessee standout is the clear fourth-string quarterback on the Titans' depth chart. After one preseason game, it's abundantly clear that Hooker isn't truly in contention for a 53-man roster spot.
Tennessee Titans QB Hendon Hooker is an obvious cut after preseason reveals clear pecking order
The Titans have everything invested in Ward as a sophomore No. 1 overall pick. Trubisky was signed this offseason to be the unquestioned backup in a move that reunited him with Titans new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. Levis is trying to rehabilitate his reputation while sorting out a future that won't occur in Tennessee.
Hooker has felt like a distant fourth quarterback. In fact, team periods at training camp have been totally dominated by Ward, Levis, and Trubisky. There have been several occasions where the Titans didn't even have any leftover team period reps for Hooker.
The Titans will likely keep Hooker up until the August 30th cutdown day deadline. They play their final preseason game against the Chicago Bears on August 29th. Head coach Robert Saleh won't want to risk injury to Ward (or even Trubisky) so close to the regular-season opener. Hooker could see significant reps versus the Bears.
The Titans haven't necessarily needed four quarterbacks at training camp, with practice solely belonging to Ward, Trubisky, and Levis. Hooker is currently performing a selfless role. After one preseason game, it's painfully obvious that Hooker will unfortunately be the Titans' most straightforward cut.
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