Titans running back Tyjae Spears suffered an ankle injury in the team’s preseason opener against the Buccaneers.
Spears is expected to miss at least a couple of weeks, jeopardizing the remainder of his preseason.
The injury is a setback for Spears, who missed five games in 2024 due to various injuries.
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears suffered an ankle injury in the team’s preseason opener on Aug. 9 in the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The explosive backup running back exited the game and limped to the sideline, and ultimately had to be carted to the locker room.
The Tennessean (part of the USA TODAY Network) reports that Spears was seen leaving the stadium on crutches and wearing a walking boot on his right foot.
Spears, a 2023 third-round pick, is entering his third NFL season. He has carved out a significant role in passing situations and his absence could be detrimental to the development of No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward.
Here’s the latest on the Titans’ running back’s status:
Tyjae Spears injury update
On Aug. 10, Titans head coach Brian Callahan announced that Spears will miss ‘some time’ due to the ankle injury he sustained.
‘Spears is expected to miss some time here, a couple of weeks at least,’ Callahan told reporters.
The ankle injury likely puts the rest of Spears’ preseason in jeopardy.
Spears was carted to the locker room in second quarter of the Titans’ preaseason opener after being tackled by defensive backs Rashad Wisdom and JJ Roberts. He caught a pass out of the backfield for a 13-yard gain before being taken down.
It appeared Spears’ ankle was rolled up in the process of the tackle. After testing, he was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain.
Spears had a challenging 2024 season due to multiple injuries. He suffered two concussions, a hamstring strain and an ankle sprain, which cost him five games and limited him in others.
Titans RB depth chart
The Titans have five more running backs listed on their first unofficial depth chart. Spears has been the top backup and change-of-pace option in the backfield behind starter Tony Pollard. With Spears expected to miss some time, Kalel Mullings – a day three pick from the 2025 NFL Draft – will have more opportunities.
Mullings is a converted linebacker and one of the biggest running backs in the 2025 draft class at 6-2 and 226 pounds. He doesn’t have the receiving chops that Spears possesses, with only 8 receptions for 67 yards on 14 targets in college. He will battle Julius Chestnut – another big-bodied running back – for a depth role.
Tony Pollard
Kalel Mullings
Julius Chestnut
Jordan Mims
Jermar Jefferson