On top of losing by 22 in their preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Tennessee Titans got hit with an injury blow as running back Tyjae Spears limped off the field after a carry last night. The injury is to Spears’ lower leg, and an NFL insider just gave an update on how long he’s expected to be out.
Latest Update on Tyjae Spears’ Injury and Recovery Timeline
Spears limped off the field after awkwardly planting his ankle on a rushing attempt during the Titans’ preseason opener. ESPN’s Turron Davenport revealed late last night that the young running back suffered a high ankle sprain.
#Titans RB Tyjae Spears’ initial injury diagnosis is a high ankle sprain per sources.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 10, 2025
The severity of the sprain determines how long Spears will be out, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter has just provided an update. According to Schefter, Spears will miss the rest of the preseason but is expected to be ready for the Titans’ season opener against the Denver Broncos on September 7.
Titans RB Tyjae Spears is expected to be out a few weeks due to his sprained ankle, per HC Brian Callahan. It means that Spears’ preseason is over and the team will hope to have him back by the start of the regular season. pic.twitter.com/Q99mbrBlmF
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 10, 2025
“Titans RB Tyjae Spears is expected to be out a few weeks due to his sprained ankle, per HC Brian Callahan,” Schefter wrote. “It means that Spears’ preseason is over and the team will hope to have him back by the start of the regular season.”
While the sprain isn’t ideal for the Titans’ running back, it’s good that the injury wasn’t more serious. Tennessee will lean on Spears in 2025, as he’s expected to share carries with veteran Tony Pollard.
The 2025 season will be Spears’ third in the NFL. So far, he’s played well in limited action, rushing for 765 yards and six touchdowns, while adding 609 receiving yards and two more touchdowns across 29 games and two starts.
Tyjae Spears in the wildcat formation finds the end zone to make it a two-score game 😤#TENvsMIA | ESPN pic.twitter.com/8PY6ihJJt6
— ESPN (@espn) October 1, 2024
He’s not the centerpiece of the Titans’ rushing attack, but he offers a solid third-down back option and will be essential to Tennessee’s offensive success this season.
The reps Spears will miss during the rest of the Titans’ training camp and preseason are crucial, especially as he aims to prove himself to the coaching staff. With 2026 set to be the final year of his rookie contract, a strong 2025 season could earn him an extension next offseason.
This injury is a setback because it affects how the staff evaluates him during camp and is likely to limit his early-season usage, especially since he missed five games in 2024 due to other injuries.
Still, the good news is Spears is expected to be ready for the season opener against the Broncos and should see plenty of touches throughout the year.
