The Tennessee Titans are already facing adversity in the backfield before the 2025-26 NFL season officially begins. Running back Tyjae Spears, who was expected to share a heavy workload with Tony Pollard, suffered a high ankle sprain in the preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 9, 2025.
Tennessee’s Running Back Depth Chart
The injury occurred just before halftime when Spears caught a 13-yard pass out of the backfield and limped off the field. He was later carted to the locker room and seen in a walking boot.
Spears has since been placed on injured reserve, meaning he will miss at least the first four games of the season.
Sources: Titans RB Tyjae Spears, who suffered a high ankle sprain earlier this month and was spotted in a walking boot this weekend, is being placed on injured reserve, meaning he will sidelined at least the first four games of the season. pic.twitter.com/qVyIwmbyH4
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 26, 2025
So with Spears sidelined, who will step up in the Titans’ running back room?
The Titans enter Week 1 against the Denver Broncos with Pollard, rookie Kalel Mullings, and Julius Chestnut on the active roster. Here’s everything you need to know about each of them.
Who Is Tony Pollard?
Pollard is the clear-cut starter in Tennessee’s backfield.
The Titans signed the former Cowboys running back in the 2024 offseason, and he quickly became a reliable workhorse. Pollard set career-highs in carries (260) and rushing yards (1,079) last season while adding five rushing touchdowns and 238 receiving yards.
Known for his explosiveness, Pollard was a Pro Bowler in 2022 after racking up over 1,000 rushing yards and 12 total touchdowns with Dallas. At 6’0”, 209 pounds, he provides versatility as both a runner and receiver, making him the Titans’ best all-around option.
Borgonzi: I feel good with Tony Pollard at RB. We’ll get Tyjae Spears back at some point. Julius Chestnut has had a great camp @Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) August 28, 2025
In the preseason, Pollard logged just four carries for nine yards and a touchdown, but with Spears out, he should handle a much larger workload through September. From a fantasy football perspective, Pollard is the Titans RB to own, and head coach Brian Callahan has hinted that the offense may lean heavily on him early in the season.
Who Is Kalel Mullings?
Mullings is a 2025 sixth-round draft pick out of Michigan who transitioned from linebacker to running back midway through his college career. Standing 6’2” and 226 pounds, Mullings brings size and power to Tennessee’s backfield.
He enjoyed a breakout year in 2024 with the Wolverines, leading the team with 948 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns while helping Michigan capture a national championship in 2023.
However, Mullings suffered an ankle injury in the preseason against Minnesota while blocking on a kickoff return. While not considered serious, his health will be something to monitor as he develops into a potential short-yardage and goal-line option behind Pollard.
Who Is Julius Chestnut?
Chestnut is entering his third season with Tennessee after signing as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He provides a bruising style of running and adds depth on special teams.
Last season, Chestnut set career highs with 22 carries for 102 yards while also ranking second on the team in kickoff returns (13 for 337 yards). During his college days at Sacred Heart, he rushed for over 3,400 yards and 29 touchdowns in four seasons.
With Spears out and Mullings healing, Chestnut could carve out a rotational role as a dependable depth piece.
I had to look up the Titans current RB3 since I forgot about Julius Chestnut
Tony Pollard should smash with a rookie QB and minimal receiving talent past Calvin Ridley
Could have 18 carries and 5 targets per game until Spears returns https://t.co/Hj2mWAUt6G
— Josh Larky (@jlarkytweets) August 26, 2025
Spears’ absence is a significant blow for Tennessee, as the team had planned on splitting touches between him and Pollard to keep both fresh. For now, Pollard will carry the load, while Mullings and Chestnut provide depth until Spears returns.
The Titans’ running back depth chart is thinner than expected, but with Pollard’s proven track record and Mullings’ upside, Tennessee should remain competitive out of the backfield.
