Tyjae Spears injury update comes at inopportune time for Titans

The first four games of the 2025 season could be some of Tennessee's most challenging matchups. During this stretch, the Titans face the Denver Broncos (Week 1), the Los Angeles Rams (Week 2) and the Houston Texans (Week 4). 

Denver and Houston have elite pass-rushes. The Broncos led the league in sacks (63) last season, while the Texans tied for the fourth most (49). 

The Rams, meanwhile, feature a budding star in EDGE Jared Verse. The 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year had a league-leading 89 pressures last season (including the playoffs), via Pro Football Focus.

Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward will likely struggle in these matchups. A strong ground game could take pressure off the 23-year-old passer, but Tennessee may not develop one without Spears. 

Titans RB Tony Pollard ran for 1,079 yards in 16 games last season, but Tennessee finished 18th in the NFL in rushing yards (109.1), via Team Rankings.

Titans head coach Brian Callahan has indicated he wants to increase Spears' workload to improve the run game. He flashed promise during his two seasons with Tennessee, averaging 4.2 yards per carry.

The Titans lack another clear RB2 except for Spears. RB Julius Chestnut has rushed for just 114 yards in his first three seasons with the Titans. Rookie RB Kalel Mullings — who rushed for 85 yards on 21 carries in the preseason — is battling an ankle injury. 

Callahan could already be on the hot seat entering the 2025 season. If the team gets off to a slow start, he will face even more pressure. Spears' injury adds to his problems.