Right time, right place for Mason Rudolph's first start for Titans

Back on a Monday night in Week 4 in South Florida, Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis suffered a shoulder injury and was replaced in the first quarter by Mason Rudolph. The former Pittsburgh Steelers signal-caller, signed by Tennessee this offseason, guided the team the rest of the way in a 31-12 victory over the Dolphins. He completed nine of his 17 throws for 85 yards in the victory.

Brian Callahan’s club was off in Week 5, but returned to action last Sunday vs. the Colts. Levis was back at the controls and played the entire game. He connected on 16-of-27 passes for 95 yards and one score, but also threw another interception in what proved to be a 20-17 home loss to Indianapolis.

Apparently, that shoulder issue continues to be a problem. Late Saturday afternoon, it was reported by local beat writer Paul Kuharsky that Levis would sit and Rudolph would get the start for the Titans on Sunday. It came as somewhat of a surprise, but the six-year pro gets the nod vs. the Bills at Orchard Park. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter has since reported that Levis is dealing with a Grade 2 AC sprain in his right throwing shoulder and could be sidelined for multiple weeks.

Next man up

It’s interesting to note that the last time the former Steelers third-round draft choice started a game, it was less than a year ago in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs at Buffalo. Pittsburgh came up short, 31-17, but Rudolph did play a respectable game. The former Oklahoma State standout threw for 229 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but was picked off once. The No. 76 overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft, Rudolph had guided Mike Tomlin’s team to a season-ending three-game winning streak that propelled the Steelers into the playoffs.

What’s the point? The seven-year pro obviously has some recent experience facing Sean McDermott’s team and playing in that stadium. He’s also not that far removed from seeing his first action this season, so rust doesn’t figure to be a factor. Buffalo’s defense has been ordinary at best this year, and if he and the Titans can avoid the turnover bug on Sunday, this could be a far more interesting game between a 1-4 team and a 4-2 division leader that some may think. Rudolph played the majority of the game in Tennessee's only win this season.

Timing is everything.