Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh has backed quarterback Cam Ward despite the team’s disappointing 0-5 start to the 2026 NFL season, insisting the young signal-caller will continue to lead the offense.
"Cam [Ward]’s our starting quarterback. We’re gonna give him every opportunity to be successful this year." —Titans HC Robert Saleh on if they are giving any thought to benching Cam Ward https://t.co/80f4kO4hAt
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) October 11, 2026
The Titans suffered another difficult defeat on Sunday, falling 26-3 to the Houston Texans, who entered the matchup without a win themselves. Despite the latest setback, Saleh made it clear that he has no intention of benching Ward as Tennessee searches for answers.
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Saleh stands behind Ward despite offensive struggles
When asked whether he had considered replacing Ward at quarterback, Saleh offered a firm response.
“Cam’s our starting quarterback,” Saleh said. “We’re gonna give him every opportunity to be successful this year.”
The coach’s comments come as the Titans continue to struggle offensively. Tennessee managed just three points against Houston, its lowest scoring total since a 35-3 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 13 of last season.
The team’s offensive numbers have been particularly concerning. Through five games, Tennessee ranks last in the NFL in both total yards per game, averaging 246.4, and points per game, averaging just 14.
Ward completed 23 of 36 passes for 170 yards and threw one interception against Houston. The 24-year-old quarterback struggled to generate explosive plays, averaging just 2.9 yards per completion according to the supplied statistics and completing only two passes that traveled more than 10 yards.
Since entering the league as the No. 1 overall pick last season, Ward has completed just 39.6% of his passes thrown 10 or more yards downfield, the lowest rate in the NFL over that span.
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Ward remains confident as Tennessee searches for answers
Despite the team’s difficult start, Ward remains confident that he can turn things around and establish himself as Tennessee’s long-term answer at quarterback.
Speaking after the loss, the sophomore signal-caller expressed belief in both his own abilities and the people surrounding him.
“I know I’m capable of this position,” Ward said. “I have the right guys around me to uplift me and myself uplift them, and we’re going to put it together eventually.”
With Saleh publicly backing his quarterback, Tennessee will now attempt to regroup ahead of another divisional challenge.
The Titans, currently 0-5, will travel to face the Indianapolis Colts, who hold a 2-3 record, next Sunday in Week 6. Another defeat would deepen the team’s early-season struggles, making a response increasingly important for both Ward and the coaching staff.
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