Titans line struggling to protect Will Levis

Driving the news: In just three games, Levis has weathered a bruising 25 hits.

• He is tied for 13th in the league for hits so far this season, per Broadway Sports Media.
• Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen, who has the same number of hits, has played 10 games.

State of play: Coach Mike Vrabel said the team must "continue to protect [Levis], and develop him, and have him help us."

• "We believe in Will's toughness," Vrabel said during a press conference. "And we also believe we don't need to challenge it as much as we have."

What he's saying: Levis said he has a role in bolstering the offensive line.

• "I have to be a leader," Levis said in a separate press conference. "My leadership role has to step up. I have to instill confidence in these guys, regardless of who it is, whatever five is out there, that they know I have my full trust in them."
• "I have to do a better job as a leader of bringing them along."

The latest: The team worked to mend its offensive line this week. The Titans scooped up offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton on Wednesday, a day after the Panthers waived him.