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Tyjae Spears offseason progress key to unlocking Titans run game

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Buck Reising | Last updated Jul 21, 2025 3:07 AM ET

The Tennessee Titans suffered many disappointments en route to a 3-14 finish in 2024. One of the few promising areas of the roster was the running back room, where veteran Tony Pollard exceeded expectations by fighting through injury en route to a career statistical year.

It was one of the very few elements of the Titans offense last season that could be counted upon.

Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears can still be what Brian Callahan envisioned

Tennessee needs 2023 third-round pick Tyjae Spears to be the compliment to Pollard in the backfield that coach Brian Callahan initially envisioned.

Pollard and Spears ranked 19th and 26th, respectively, out of 54 running backs in the rate of gaining 10 or more yards, according to Sharp Football Analysis. They also ranked 29th and 41st in the rate of gaining zero or negative yards, conversely. Spears also went down twice in Week 11 and Week 17 with concussions that stopped the duo from ever gaining the traction Callahan was expecting to see.

Pollard also fought through an ankle issue for the vast majority of 2024.

"One of the things about Tyjae (Spears) is I heard a lot about Tyjae when I got here, about the type of person and the player that he was," said Callahan this offseason. "And we've had conversations, but he did have a challenging year, both personally and professionally and there was some things that we've had to sit and visit about on different occasions. I give a lot of credit to him because he's had an unbelievable offseason in terms of his energy, his effort, his clarity and what he wants to get done. So I've been really pleased with where Tyjae is at.

"He's a great example and it's not something that maybe is easy for you guys to see but his personal growth I think has been outstanding. And I'm really excited to see what he can bring to us this year because he's been in a great place and he's had a really nice offseason."

The Titans are banking on the re-worked offensive line unit and more out of Spears to help prop up Pollard's third-worst in the NFL efficiency rating (-37.42 EPA).