Tyjae Spears to Miss First 4 Games on IR with Ankle Injury

It’s a disappointing development for Spears and his prospective managers, especially considering the hot streak he ended the 2024 season on with Tony Pollard banged up for the final few weeks of last year. The hope is that Spears is able to return sooner rather than later from his injury, at which point he’s likely to re-assume a third-down role while Pollard occupies the early down role. As for the ramifications these first four weeks of 2025, Tony Pollard is set to be the clear workhorse back in Tennessee on what is a clearly improved offense on paper. Pollard fulfilled a similar role last year, notching 20+ touches in 10 of his 16 starts before being hampered by injuries down the line that significantly limited his snaps in the home stretch (a time when the Titans were also mathematically eliminated from the playoffs). With no challengers for work behind him besides Julius Chestnut and and rookie Kalel Mullings, the early down and short yardage role is set to be all Pollard’s in the early going. Pollard also racked up 3 or more receptions in nine games last year, as well, demonstrating his ability to cover the Titans in the receiving game out of the backfield, as well. As long as Spears is out, Pollard profiles as a mid-high RB2 with upside – and even once Spears makes his return, Pollard’s attachment to the early down role should keep him squarely in the RB2 conversation as long as he’s healthy.