The Tennessee Titans selected running back Tyjae Spears in the 2023 NFL draft’s third round. Spears had some valuable experience as a rookie, rushing the ball 100 times for 453 yards and two touchdowns.
With Derrick Henry signing with the Baltimore Ravens and the Titans signing Tony Pollard this off-season, Spears is expected to be more involved in the Titans’ backfield this season.
Spears suffered a minor setback in the Titans’ Week 2 loss to the Jets. Spears left the game with an ankle injury in the second half and didn’t return.
Tyjae Spears injury update: What happened to Titans RB?
Tyjae Spears suffered an ankle injury against the New York Jets in the team’s Sunday loss on a running play. Spears was seen walking to the locker room with a walking boot after getting tackled when exiting the game.
According to NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport, Spears’ injury isn’t considered anything major. Titans coach Brian Callahan described Spears’ injury as ‘day-to-day’ and said they will check his status in Wednesday’s practice.
The Titans avoided a big injury, as Pollard will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis, assuming he’ll return to play this week or next.
Tyjae Spears and Tony Pollard are expected to split the backfield this season for Tennessee Titans
With the Tennessee Titans and running back Derrick Henry parting ways this offseason, the team signed free agent RB Tony Pollard. With Pollard joining the backfield on a three-year, $21 million deal, he and Spears were expected to share the backfield with both being heavily involved.
In Week 1, Spears only had four carries and two receptions for six total touches for 32 yards. Callahan said that he wanted to get Spears more involved in the offense.
Against the Jets, Spears had eight total with six carries and two receptions for 31 yards before getting hurt.
The Titans will face the Green Bay Packers in Week 3. If Spears cannot play, Pollard will see an increased workload in the backfield. Julius Chestnut is the only other active running back on the Titans’ roster.
Chestnut has been with the Titans since 2022 and only has nine career carries for 12 yards. He was active for the Titans for two games last season but didn’t log a single stat.