The Titans started RB Tony Pollard in their preseason opener, as expected. But he didn't work as the clear backfield leader. Tyjae Spears mixed in on the team's first possession, matched Pollard at 4 carries, ran seven pass routes to Pollard's five, and drew the only target between them before both guys left the game.
What They're Saying: Don't Be Shocked if They Split
Justin Graver of The Music City Audible podcast: "I think it's gonna be a 1A/1B situation, potentially alternating drives. Pollard probably handles majority of goal line work. I think both backs will see plenty of targets. Who scores the touchdowns will matter big time (assuming the Titans actually score some touchdowns this year)."
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Spears the Much Better Draft Value
That last portion's obviously a joke, but it still holds a key element of truth.
The Tennessee offense doesn't project well for 2026. The Titans rank just 24th in our Fantasy Environment Score, making it a negative spot for RB value overall. Of course, more trailing game scripts could help RB receiving volume.
Spears has fared well in that area across his three pro seasons, which started with ranking third among Titans in receptions (52) as a 2023 rookie. He has led Pollard in yards per route in each of their two shared seasons.
Pollard has been the clear leader in rushing volume, averaging 15.2 carries per game with the Titans to just 6.2 for Spears. But Pollard also sits much higher in ADP across formats: RB29 by PPR consensus vs. Spears' RB47.
That context makes Spears easily the better draft value. Pollard would need to at least maintain his clear rushing lead, keep a good share of the receiving work, and produce efficiently to offer meaningful value from his draft position. His advancing age (29) adds risk.
Spears, meanwhile, sits at a fantasy-reserve price. You can draft him in handcuff range and consider anything you get from him to be positive.
We'll keep tracking their usage in Jared's Preseason Takeaways.
Rookie RB Nicholas Singleton, by the way, didn't see his first carry until late in the second quarter, after the first-teamers had exited. He shared time with RB Michael Carter while working with QB Mitchell Trubisky.
There's room for Singleton to earn more work as the season progresses, but don't consider him a serious touch competitor to open the year.
