For the first time in decades, the Tennessee Titans franchise had the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft. Miami quarterback Cam Ward became the teams’ first No. 1 pick since they selected Hall of Fame running back Earl Campbell at that spot in 1978.

He goes to a Titans franchise that’s seen plenty of change on offense this offseason.

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His arrival put incumbent starter Will Levis‘ future in doubt; Levis is now out for the season following shoulder surgery. There are two new starters on the offensive line and a third changing positions as 2024 first-round pick JC Latham switches from left tackle to right tackle. The wide receiver room has new veteran additions and rookies for Ward to throw to as well.

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Ward’s college tape is rightfully generating hype around his rookie season. In an AFC South that had just one team over 0.500 last year, there’s a chance he could lead a turnaround for Tennessee.

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That journey starts in earnest with the first preseason game of the Titans’ schedule on Saturday, Aug. 9 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Here’s the latest on his status for the game.

Is Cam Ward playing this week?

Ward is expected to start the preseason opener against the Buccaneers. Coach Brian Callahan confirmed that all of the starters, Ward included, will play at least one series against Tampa Bay.

Tennessee and Tampa Bay will have a joint practice on Aug. 7 ahead of the game. Callahan said he and the rest of his staff will use that practice to determine how long the starters will play in the game.

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He also said that he expects starters to play in all three preseason games.

“We might play a little bit more (this preseason), potentially, on offense just because we have a young quarterback that needs to see a little bit of action so we feel like he’s really ready to roll and that he has enough experience that potentially Week 1 isn’t an eye opener,” Callahan said.

Titans preseason schedule

Tennessee opens the preseason against Tampa Bay on Aug. 9. Here’s a full look at their schedule and when you can catch Ward:

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Cam Ward playing? What to know ahead of Titans-Buccaneers