The Tennessee Titans will be without running back Tyjae Spears for at least the first four games of the season after the team placed him on injured reserve to start the 2025 NFL campaign.
Spears injured his ankle in the team’s preseason opener, and has spent the last several weeks in a walking boot. Unfortunately for the 24 year old back, he’s no stranger to missing time, having suited up for just 12 games last season after missing time with concussion and hamstring issues.
Now entering his 3rd professional season, Spears has only attempted 184 rushes with the Titans since being selected in the 3rd round, 81st overall, in the 2023 NFL draft. High ankle sprains can be especially finicky for running backs, and have a tendency to be a recurring issue until the offseason when athletes can properly rest and rehab.
In all likelihood, the Titans are taking an especially cautious approach to Spears’ recovery by shutting him down for the first month of the year. When he returns, there will be a degree of “pain tolerance” that the former Tulane running back will have to navigate to get back onto the field.
In his absence, Tony Pollard will take on an even larger role with Spears on the sideline, with Julius Chestnut, Kalel Mullings, Jordan Mims and Jermar Jefferson expected to duke it out for back up duties. The Titans open their 2025 season on September 7th against the Denver Broncos.
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