The No. 3 overall draft pick played in spot duty in each of the Titans' first two games, but the Titans are 0-3 and hope the quarterback who led the University of Texas to the U.S. college football national title in January can provide a spark to their offence.

The Titans drafted Young over USC quarterback Matt Leinart and local favourite Jay Cutler because of his potential.

Coach Jeff Fisher had promised he wouldn't start Young until the rookie was ready, and he publicly said Monday that veteran Kerry Collins would start against Dallas (1-1).

But Collins, who was not signed until Aug. 29, has struggled to pick up enough of the offence to help. Collins has thrown six interceptions and only one touchdown pass and has a passer rating of 42.3 _ less than Young's 58.8 rating in spot duty.