The Tennessee Titans barely made it halfway through their first preseason game before running into trouble. Tyjae Spears, the young running back expected to form a balanced rushing attack with Tony Pollard, left the Aug. 9 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after injuring his ankle.
What’s the latest on Spears’ status, and will he miss multiple regular-season games?
Why Did Tyjae Spears Leave the Game Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Things unraveled for Spears midway through the second quarter. On what should have been an ordinary play, he caught a screen pass and turned it into a 13-yard gain.
He limped off before trainers helped him onto a cart, and he was later spotted with crutches and a boot on his right foot. After the game, head coach Brian Callahan confirmed that Spears would miss some time with a high ankle sprain.
Tennessee took issue with the field conditions in Tampa shortly after the contest. According to the team, the seams in the newly laid sod were visible, and it did not take long for players to feel the difference.
Spears missed five games in 2024 with various injuries. The hope was that Spears could stay healthy this season so he could work alongside Pollard and give the Titans’ offense a boost.
However, ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter recently revealed that Spears was placed on injured reserve, which means he will miss at least the first four games of the season.
Spears will miss games against the Denver Broncos (Week 1), Los Angeles Rams (Week 2), Indianapolis Colts (Week 3), and Houston Texans (Week 4). He’ll be eligible to return in Week 5 when the Titans face the Arizona Cardinals.
Who Will Step Up While Spears Recovers from His Ankle Injury?
Pollard remains the main man in the backfield. Veterans Julius Chestnut and rookie Kalel Mullings will get opportunities behind him while Spears is out.
The Titans begin their regular season on Sept. 7 against the Broncos. A healthy Spears would have given rookie quarterback Cam Ward another safety valve out of the backfield. Instead, Ward will have to rely on Pollard more heavily as he makes his NFL debut.
Whenever Spears has been on the field, he has made plays. As a rookie in 2023, he tallied 838 scrimmage yards and brought energy to the Titans’ offense. The issue hasn’t been his skills — it’s about whether he can suit up and stay healthy.
Since Spears is expected to miss significant time, Tennessee could be forced to change its approach and maybe even look outside the current roster for help in the backfield.
Spears’ Fantasy Outlook
Spears has been threatening to break out for two years now, but projects to spend another year in a backup role behind Pollard in Nashville. The fact that his first of three games with a snap share over 45% didn’t come until Week 15 is troubling, but his 20.7 fantasy points per game in those three weeks rekindled some hope.
Spears has the explosiveness, but he only got a real opportunity once the Titans’ season was as good as over. The smaller pass-catching back can be electric when on the field, but a lack of movement within the team’s coaching staff suggests his opportunities will be similarly limited in 2025.
Also, Ward wasn’t known for checking down at Miami, and instead prefers to extend plays while keeping his eyes downfield. Damien Martinez led Miami’s running backs in receptions last season, despite catching just 17 passes.
Spears will undoubtedly flash again this season and could be a worthwhile stash in deeper leagues, particularly for those who draft Pollard. A lack of consistent usage and the fact that he’s already dealing with a significant injury will likely make him a non-factor for most of the year.
