Titans RB Tyjae Spears returned from IR to run as the No. 2 RB in Sunday's win over the Cardinals. He drew about a third as much playing time as starter Tony Pollard, getting 17 snaps to Pollard's 49. Spears ran 10 pass routes vs. 29 for Pollard, according to Pro Football Focus. Spears didn't see a target but did carry four times for 14 yards (3.5 per rush). Pollard continued to dominate backfield work, posting a 14-67-1 rushing line plus 3 receptions for 11 yards.
What They're Saying
HC Brian Callahan: "Good start for him. He played a good role, and that role will keep increasing, I think, as we move forward."
2025 Fantasy Football Impact
It came as no surprise to see that level of limited usage in Spears' return from a high ankle sprain. The question will be whether he can grow into a bigger role than the Titans gave him last year.
Spears' 25.4% snap share Sunday didn't fall dramatically short of his 36.9% share in Pollard's healthy games last season. That nine-game shared stretch found Spears cracking 40% four times but never reaching 50%.
He did land in the 55-65% range over his final three outings, when Pollard left two of those games early and missed Week 17.
Pollard has opened this season with heavy workloads -- basically by necessity -- and Callahan spoke for the second straight offseason about wanting to involve both RBs (before Spears' injury).
Spears makes plenty of sense as a handcuff-level stash right now. We'll see if he can generate standalone value.
The overall weakness of the offense doesn't bode well for two RBs presenting fantasy viability together.