Tyjae Spears
Running Back #2
Tyjae Spears News
Similar Year Incoming for Tyjae Spears?
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears could be headed for more of the same in 2026. He remains the No. 2 option on the depth chart behind Tony Pollard, putting him in line to handle receiving work without a very sizable role on early downs. Across 13 games last year, Spears logged a career-low 283 rushing yards, but he did catch 45 passes for 264 receiving yards. Tennessee's offense may look a little different with Robert Saleh and Brian Daboll coaching the team and Wan'Dale Robinson and Carnell Tate added to the offense, but from a backfield perspective, not much has changed. We expect to see Tony Pollard go for another 1,000+ rushing yards and 6-8 touchdowns, leaving Spears to catch passes. The big concern is that Spears will be tough to trust week over week. Sure, he'll have some big games -- especially in PPR -- but his inconsistency will make it tough to know which weeks he's worth starting. As a result, he has a modest ranking as the RB44 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football draft rankings. At that spot, he's not quite a weekly RB3/flex, but he could certainly jump into that tier if he's playing a weaker defense or has been getting more involved in recent weeks.
Aug 27, 2026 9:02 PM EST
Tyjae Spears' Busy Training Camp Continues
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears has had a productive summer, accumulating 39 yards on five touches in the team's preseason opener and carrying that momentum back to the practice field. With Tony Pollard (foot), Nick Singleton (undisclosed/foot), and Kalel Mullings (hip) all held out of Monday's session, Spears was the Titans' most active back, particularly in the passing game, where senior writer Jim Wyatt credits him with a practice-high six catches. Spears has stood out for his receiving work for much of camp, and he figures to carry a significant pass-catching role into the regular season, making him an underrated late-round target in PPR leagues. Currently being selected as the RB53, he has standalone value that more than justifies his draft cost and can lead the backfield if forced into a larger role, as evidenced on Monday.
Aug 18, 2026 6:49 AM EST
Tyjae Spears Impresses in Preseason Debut Amid Depth Chart Battle
With the Tennessee Titans' rushing attack looking potent for the duration of the team's preseason debut, a 19-13 victory over the 49ers on Thursday night, fourth-year running back Tyjae Spears ran for 35 yards on only four carries, breaking off a 25-yard run on the Titans' opening scoring drive. Spears also added four receiving yards by reeling in his lone target of the night, and he figures to see a significant role in the passing game in 2026. By all accounts, he has stood out in that regard throughout training camp, and with veteran Tony Pollard still expected to see the bulk of the carries, Spears will likely need to rely on his receiving work to find and maintain fantasy relevance. With rookie Nicholas Singleton also expected to factor into the team's plans, Tennessee's running back situation remains too muddled to make Spears a must-land draft target. Still, as RotoBaller's RB50, he's a player whose usage should be watched in the opening weeks of 2026, as he could quickly reveal himself to be an early-season waiver wire priority.
Aug 14, 2026 5:24 AM EST
Tyjae Spears Returns to Practice on Sunday
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (soreness) was back on the practice field on Sunday, according to Jim Wyatt. This is good news after Spears didn't finish Friday's practice session due to soreness. The issue appears to be behind him as Spears busted into space for a long touchdown during Sunday's practice. The backfield in Tennessee is likely going to be a headache for fantasy managers this year. Tony Pollard figures to begin the season as the lead back, but Spears and rookie Nicholas Singleton will be mixed in as well. Spears currently sits as Rotoballer's RB71, but he does have some late-round sleeper appeal.
Aug 9, 2026 5:24 PM EST
Tyjae Spears Did Not Finish Titans' Friday Scrimmage
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (soreness) did not finish Friday's team scrimmage, with head coach Robert Saleh later telling reporters that the fourth-year back is dealing with soreness and irritation. While the early exit does not sound like a long-term concern, much of Spears' NFL career has been defined by injuries so a quick return to the field is of the utmost importance amid what has been reported as a strong training camp to this point. After making at least 45 catches in two of his three seasons, the passing game is an area where he has stood out throughout the summer, and a defined receiving role could lead to unexpected fantasy viability in 2026. Sharing a backfield with veteran Tony Pollard and fifth-round pick Nicholas Singleton, Spears is going largely undrafted as RotoBaller's RB71. Still, with unrealized sleeper potential, his status is worth monitoring throughout the rest of camp.
Aug 8, 2026 6:25 AM EST
Tyjae Spears Heavily Involved in Passing Game
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears has been heavily involved in the team's passing game early in training camp and has made the most of his screens and dump-offs through two days, according to PaulKuharsky.com. Spears is still sharing a backfield with Tony Pollard, and the Titans added more competition in this year's draft with fifth-rounder Nicholas Singleton, but the 25-year-old could be in a position to succeed in 2026 with Brian Daboll now running the Titans' offense. He has been impressive all offseason and should have the RB2 role locked down going into the start of the regular season, and the former third-rounder in 2023 from Tulane could operate as more of the 1B this year to Pollard's 1A. Spears has never had more than 453 rushing yards or four rushing touchdowns in any of his three NFL seasons, but he does have 127 catches on 155 targets in his 42 games played, and he could become an even bigger pass-catching weapon in Tennessee as second-year QB Cam Ward looks to take the next step. Fantasy managers should consider Spears as a sneaky late-round sleeper in point-per-reception leagues.
Jul 30, 2026 10:23 AM EST
Tyjae Spears Entering a Make-or-Break Season for Fantasy
Entering his fourth professional season having never topped the RB35 finish of his rookie campaign, the door still has not fully closed for Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears to find fantasy relevance in 2026. A capable pass-catcher throughout his career, Spears could find fresh opportunities with a new coaching staff inheriting a running back room that is not teeming with insurmountable talent. New offensive coordinator Brian Daboll has some familiarity with Tony Pollard from their time together in the NFC East, but he's long shown a willingness to ride the hot hand, turning his 2025 Giants backfield over to fourth-round rookie Cam Skattebo almost immediately. The Titans selected Penn State's Nicholas Singleton in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, muddying the waters slightly, but if Spears can maintain a primary pass-catching role while working his way into more of an early-down rotation, he could prove to have some usable flex weeks throughout the year. At RotoBaller's RB49, he's unlikely to be selected outside of the deepest of 2026 drafts, but he's a player to keep tabs on early in the season as a potential waiver add.
Jul 18, 2026 8:25 AM EST
Tyjae Spears has Cemented Himself Near Top of RB Depth Chart
Sports Illustrated's Bryce W. Lazenby writes that there haven't been many players who have improved their standing this offseason more than Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears. The 25-year-old former third-rounder in 2023 out of the University of Tulane came into the offseason as more of an afterthought, but he has cemented himself "near the top of the RB depth chart" in Tennessee, and head coach Robert Saleh has confirmed as much. Spears has looked explosive with plenty of burst during offseason workouts, and he's hoping to be more involved as a pass-catcher in 2026. Lazenby adds that Spears is looking like he'll be the 1B to Tony Pollard's 1A. The Titans took Nicholas Singleton in the fifth round of this year's NFL draft, but as of right now, it looks like Spears has done enough to stay in the RB2 position to begin the 2026 regular season. Spears played in only 13 games (one start) in 2025 and had 72 carries for 283 yards (3.9 yards per carry) and two touchdowns, adding 45 receptions for 264 yards as a pass-catcher. The Titans' offense could take a step forward under new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, with Spears being a late-round consideration for RB depth in PPR fantasy formats.
Jun 25, 2026 10:09 AM EST
Is Tyjae Spears Droppable in Dynasty Formats?
Across 13 games in 2025, Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears recorded 547 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 117 touches. Although the 24-year-old has flashed upside throughout the first three seasons of his NFL career, he's been unable to break out of a complementary role in the Titans' backfield alongside veteran back Tony Pollard. Spears has also run into injury troubles, missing nine games over the past two seasons due to ankle, hamstring, and concussion issues. Entering 2026, Spears remains in competition with Pollard and could also receive heightened pressure on his playing time from 2026 fifth-round pick Nicholas Singleton. Spears established nice chemistry with Titans quarterback Cameron Ward as a receiver out of the backfield in 2025, recording 45 catches for 264 yards on 50 targets. He could continue to provide modest PPR production in 2026, but his dynasty upside appears to be fading.
Jun 3, 2026 12:45 PM EST
Tyjae Spears Facing Competition in a Contract Year
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears will face added competition in the backfield during the 2026 season. Spears and teammate Tony Pollard survived the first two days of the draft without the team selecting a running back, but that changed on Day 3 when they selected Penn State standout Nicholas Singleton. Singleton had an explosive 2024 season but cooled off in 2025, dropping his draft stock significantly. Still, the Penn State product has proven that he is a talented player capable of contributing on the ground or through the air. That's bad news for Spears, who is a pass-catching specialist and typically gets on the field for third downs. Singleton had 91 catches and 902 receiving yards over his final three collegiate seasons. It's a contract year for Spears, so he'll do everything he can to fight for playing time so that he can showcase himself ahead of free agency. Day 3 picks typically don't contribute right away, so Spears will at least have an opportunity to solidify his role early in the season.
Apr 26, 2026 9:18 AM EST
Tyjae Spears' Dynasty Value Linked to NFL Draft
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears has missed nine games over the past two seasons and seen his carries and rushing yards drop year over year. Heading into the final season of his rookie contract, the former third-round pick might be facing a make-or-break situation. Unfortunately for Spears, the Titans have been heavily linked to Notre Dame prospect Jeremiyah Love in the upcoming NFL Draft, a selection that could result in little more than change-of-pace work for the fourth-year pro. Once expected to share close to a 50/50 split with veteran Tony Pollard, Spears has been out-touched by nearly a 2.5:1 ratio over the past two seasons, and should the Titans spend a top-four pick on the best running back in the draft, any hopes of a fantasy resurgence will likely be put to rest.
Apr 2, 2026 4:13 PM EST
Tyjae Spears Figures to be in Backup Pass-Catching Role Again in 2026
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears had a career-low 283 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 72 carries in 13 games (one start) in 2025 in his third year in the league. Despite the disappointing performance on the ground, Spears did contribute as a pass-catcher, hauling in 45 of his 50 targets for 264 yards through the air. The 24-year-old former third-round pick (81st overall) by the Titans in 2023 out of Tulane was just inside the top-50 RBs in half-PPR scoring, and he ranked 10th among all RBs with his 45 receptions despite playing in only 13 games. The Titans haven't made any additions to their RB room so far this offseason, but Spears remains behind lead back Tony Pollard for early-down touches. Tennessee may address its backfield in the upcoming NFL draft, which could add additional competition for touches. At best, the fourth-year back will continue to be in a third-down, passing-catching role for the Titans, making him a late-round PPR flier for his abilities as a receiver out of the backfield.
Mar 15, 2026 9:10 AM EST
Tyjae Spears Offers PPR Value for Week 17
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears saw a season-high 13 carries during last week's win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Outside of that, Spears is kept to under five carries most weeks. The 24-year-old has been able to salvage some fantasy value with his work in the receiving game. Spears has finished with five receptions or more in three of his last six games. He'll head into a tough matchup against the New Orleans Saints in Week 17. A defense that has held receiving backs in check this season. There's some PPR value here, but Spears is best on the bench in most standard leagues.
Dec 27, 2025 9:30 PM EST
Tyjae Spears Continues to Depend on Receiving Volume
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears has carved out a sizable role in the passing game, and he'll remain an appealing fantasy option if he can handle a large target share again in Week 17. The 24-year-old has at least two catches in each of his last 10 games, and at least four catches in half of those contests. He continues to operate behind Tony Pollard on early downs, but he routinely capitalizes on passing down opportunities. As a result, most of his value comes in PPR leagues where he can earn extra points for catching passes. He has garnered flex appeal lately but will run into a tougher matchup this week against the New Orleans Saints, who have allowed the second-fewest catches and fifth-fewest receiving yards to opposing running backs in 2025. As it stands, Spears ranks as the RB40 in RotoBaller's updated half-PPR fantasy rankings for Week 17.
Dec 26, 2025 8:54 PM EST
Tyjae Spears Carving Out Role in Titans' Pass Attack
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears notched his best outing of the 2025 season in Sunday's 26-9 home win against the Kansas City Chiefs, totaling 105 scrimmage yards and a touchdown. Spears' 18 touches in Week 16 are the most he'd handled all campaign, and it marked the fourth time in his last six appearances that he'd commanded at least five targets. Moreover, it was the first time he'd seen double-digit carries. While it's likely the uptick in work came from Tennessee deftly handling a visiting Chiefs squad, there's no denying the Tulane product is a talented athlete. For now, Spears is better suited for deep leagues, but his work in the receiving game keeps him in the range of a low-end flex in PPR formats. At the very least, he boasts high-end handcuff appeal. Tennessee gets an exploitable Saints' defense in Week 17.
Dec 22, 2025 12:04 PM EST
Tyjae Spears is Heavily Involved in Win
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears was heavily involved in the offensive game plan on Sunday's win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Spears has been quiet lately, but made a splash against Kansas City on Sunday. Spears carried the ball a season-high 13 times for 52 yards and a touchdown. He also hauled in all five of his targets for 53 additional yards through the air. This was by far Spears' best performance of the season to date. Sadly, his fantasy value is inconsistent with Tony Pollard in the mix as well. Pollard carried the ball 21 times during Sunday's win. Spears figures to go back to being mainly the receiving back for next week's contest versus the New Orleans Saints.
Dec 21, 2025 7:35 PM EST
Tyjae Spears a Risky Option in Tough Week 16 Matchup
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears recorded just five touches for 36 yards in last week's loss to the San Francisco 49ers. It was the third year back's fewest touches in a game since Week 5, his first game of the season after opening the year on Injured Reserve with an ankle injury. Spears' role in the Titans' offense hasn't expanded with Tony Pollard locking down the lead back duties and delivering his two best performances of the season in the last two weeks. The 24-year-old has just one game this season with double-digit PPR points, coming back in Week 8. Spears will remain a low-upside FLEX option in a tough Week 16 matchup versus the Kansas City Chiefs, who have allowed the fourth fewest PPR points per game to running backs.
Dec 20, 2025 3:11 PM EST
Tyjae Spears Seeing Fewer Opportunities Amid Teammate's Breakout
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears has dealt with a reduced role lately as Tony Pollard earns a heavy dose of touches. Pollard was relatively disappointing from Week 5, when Spears returned from injured reserve, through Week 13. However, in Week 14, he broke out against a relatively strong Browns run defense, and he had another big showing last Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. Through those two games, Pollard has totaled an absurd 265 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns on 39 carries. As a result of his teammate's sudden breakout, Spears has been left in nothing more than a change-of-pace role. In his last two games, Spears has just 11 carries for 53 yards. He has two catches in each of those contests, setting a new season-low mark. We expect that this backfield will belong to Pollard once again in Week 16 against the Chiefs, leaving Spears off the fantasy radar. He ranks as the overall RB50 in RotoBaller's fantasy rankings for Week 16.
Dec 19, 2025 11:43 PM EST
Tyjae Spears an Appealing Flex Play in Deeper PPR Formats
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears remains firmly on the fantasy radar as an RB3/flex option in full-PPR leagues ahead of Sunday's Week 15 contest against the San Francisco 49ers. Spears lost key volume to Tony Pollard (25 carries, 161 yards, two touchdowns) last week, but he still maintained a sizable role on passing downs. He has at least three targets in all eight of his games this season, and he's averaging an impressive 4.3 catches per game over the last four weeks. Spears' impressive pass-catching volume has allowed him to rank as the overall RB34 in fantasy points per game since Week 6 (minimum four games played). This week, he takes on a 49ers defense that has struggled against pass-catching backs. Specifically, the Niners have allowed the most catches, eighth-most receiving yards, and eighth-most receiving touchdowns to opposing running backs in 2025. While Pollard has generated most of the buzz after last week's big game, Spears should be the name to get excited about in this backfield, given how often pass-catching backs excel against this 49ers run defense. Spears should be viewed as a strong RB3/flex option in Week 15.
Dec 13, 2025 10:54 AM EST
Tyjae Spears Remains a Viable Deep-League Flex Play in PPR Leagues
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears was overshadowed by Tony Pollard in Sunday's 31-29 victory over the hosting Cleveland Browns in Week 14. Pollard had 25 carries for a whopping 161 yards and two touchdowns as he shredded Cleveland's defense on a snowy afternoon in Ohio. Still, Spears managed to touch the ball 12 times (eight carries, two receptions) and led the team with 28 receiving yards. The 24-year-old averaged just 2.4 yards on the ground and ran for 19 yards. Spears' eight carries and 12 total touches were the most he's seen since Oct. 26 against the Indianapolis Colts. It was a rare day for the Titans' offense where they could afford to give both Pollard and Spears plenty of work. That might not be the case in Week 15 against the San Francisco 49ers, but Spears' continued involvement as Tennessee's pass-catching back gives him some deep-league flex value in PPR fantasy leagues.
Dec 9, 2025 12:52 PM EST
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