Titans QB Ryan Tannehill carted off with ankle injury but returns after 1 series

The Tennessee Titans were already in a slump, having lost three in a row. Then in the first quarter Sunday, their quarterback was being taken off on a cart.

They were happy it wasn't as bad as it looked.

On a run against the Los Angeles Chargers, quarterback Ryan Tannehill had his right foot and ankle pinned underneath Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack on a tackle attempt. He was carted off the field with an injury.

Rookie Malik Willis took over for Tannehill. Willis was only in for one series though.

Tannehill was back for the Titans' third series. It's rare to see a player get carted off and return before the half is done, but Tannehill got his ankle taped and was willing to gut it out.

Tannehill's return was obviously good news for Tennessee. Willis is an exciting player but he didn't look ready when the Titans had to start him twice earlier this season. With Tannehill injured, Willis had 135 passing yards total in his two starts. Willis could develop into a fun player but the entire offense changes with him at quarterback.

Tennessee couldn't afford to lose its quarterback. The Titans were once 7-3 and in control of the AFC South. They're still in good shape in the division, but the Jacksonville Jaguars' upset win in overtime over the Dallas Cowboys improved their record to 6-8.

The Titans still have some issues to work through, but at least their quarterback didn't suffer a major injury on a scary looking tackle.