According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, RB Tyjae Spears is poised for an uptick in workload this season. Pollard missed five games last year but if he can stay healthy, more work should be available.
What They're Saying
Fowler: “[Tony] Pollard definitely isn’t shrinking in stature – he’s the feature back and one of their best players. People I’ve talked to in Tennessee believe Spears has positioned himself for an uptick, however. Last season he ran the ball 84 times and had 30 catches. Something close to 100 carries wouldn’t be shocking. He has looked explosive running through holes. And the Titans hope he can stave off injury after he missed five games in 2024.”
2025 Fantasy Football Impact
Pollard was the clear lead in Tennessee’s backfield last season, ranking 10th in the NFL in touches per game (18.8), while handling 38.3% of the team’s total touches, the eighth-highest rate in the league. Spears, meanwhile, logged just under 10 touches per game. However, in contests where Pollard played at least 30 snaps, Spears’ average dropped to 7.6.
The lone game Pollard missed last year, Spears saw a notable spike in usage. He touched the ball 23 times for 103 scrimmage yards, logging 65% of the snaps. But when both running backs were healthy, Spears rarely took Pollard off the field outside of the two-minute drill.
While reports suggest Spears may see more opportunities in 2025, it’s unlikely to be enough to knock Pollard out of weekly FLEX consideration. It could, however, make Spears a more intriguing draft-day selection in his own right.