The second-year defensive end has seemingly been pushing for a starting spot this year, as he flashed enough as a rookie to think he may be may be an upgrade over Michael Johnson at defensive end in 2018.
However, Johnson has done enough to maintain his starting spot through training camp and two preseason games, leaving Willis to run with the backups. Making it harder for Willis to see the field is Carl Lawson continuing to get the majority of snaps as the third end behind Johnson and Carlos Dunlap, especially on passing downs.