The Tennessee Titans knew they’d be facing some challenges this season, but losing Tyjae Spears before Week 1 was a gut punch.
The third-year running back went down with a high ankle sprain during the team’s first preseason game on August 9, 2025, and the setback has already had a big impact on the Titans’ offense.
What Does Tyjae Spears’ Injury Mean for the Titans?
Spears was placed on injured reserve in late August, guaranteeing he’ll miss at least the first four games of the year. An ankle injury might not sound like much compared to a torn ligament or broken bone, but this type of sprain is different. High ankle sprains involve the ligaments that connect the two major bones in the lower leg and are notoriously slow to heal.
Players can be out for a month or more instead of bouncing back in a couple of weeks. After the injury, Spears was spotted in a walking boot and on crutches, which is a clear sign that this wasn’t a minor setback.
The soonest Spears could return is Week 5, but there’s no guarantee he’ll be ready. Even if the ankle feels stable, rushing back too quickly can cause the injury to flare up again, something the Titans desperately want to avoid. The team may choose patience over risk for a player who relies so much on quick cuts, explosiveness, and making defenders miss.
#Titans practice update for Wednesday ahead of Sunday vs the Colts. No sign of L’Jarius Sneed (back NOT knee), JC Latham (hip), T’Vondre Sweat (ankle), Bryce Oliver (knee), Kevin Zeitler. Sweat and Tyjae Spears worked on a side field.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) September 17, 2025
This latest injury also comes against the backdrop of Spears’ longer-term health concerns. Back at the 2023 NFL Combine, it was revealed that he has no ACL in one knee, along with cartilage damage and arthritis from two previous tears. Those questions didn’t stop him from flashing serious playmaking ability as a rookie, but they add another layer of uncertainty to his recovery timeline.
Can the Titans Overcome Their Struggles and Get Tyjae Spears Back in Action?
The Titans, meanwhile, are already feeling the loss. They’ve started the year 0-2, with rookie quarterback Cam Ward and wideout Elic Ayomanor showing glimpses of promise but little balance on offense.
Veteran back Tony Pollard has been carrying the load, forcing an impressive 20 missed tackles in two games. Yet, the ground game still ranks near the bottom of the league. Without Spears to spell him, Pollard’s workload has been massive, and Tennessee’s rushing attack has looked one-dimensional.
Whenever Spears does make it back, his return could change the dynamic of this offense. He brings a spark Pollard can’t provide alone, particularly as a pass catcher out of the backfield. The Titans may be wise to wait until Spears is truly ready, because they’ll need him at full strength if they want to turn things around in the second half of the season.
