Who Should I Start? Najee Harris or Tyjae Spears

Tuesday, July 22, 4:28 PM

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh noted that he's unsure if running back Najee Harris (eye) will be back for training camp as he heals from a recent fireworks mishap. "He's healing and doing everything he can to get back on the field," Harbaugh said on Tuesday. Yikes. Since news broke of the fifth-year pro's injury, the reports have been conflicting. Nonetheless, this is troubling news for Harris, as his timeline to return seems unclear. The recent addition of veteran running back/kick returner Nyheim Hines doesn't quell any worries surrounding the former Pittsburgh Steeler either. Harris' initial diagnosis was deemed superficial, so he shouldn't miss too much time. However, this leaves the door open for rookie rusher Omarion Hampton to seize increased volume ahead of schedule. This situation warrants close monitoring.

Wednesday, June 18, 3:04 PM

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears has impressed this offseason, according to team writer Jim Wyatt. "Spears looked explosive on the field this offseason, when he got plenty of work," Wyatt wrote. "While Tony Pollard got the bulk of the work last fall, Spears showed flashes at different times. If he can stay healthy, he seems poised to be a consistent playmaker in 2025." The 2023 third-round pick out of Tulane struggled to stay healthy last season, missing five games due to multiple injuries. Overall, he tallied 84 rushing attempts for 312 yards and four scores to go with 30 receptions for 224 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown in 12 games. Titans head coach Brian Callahan has hinted at more of a split backfield in 2025, and the team could opt to use the "hot hand" approach. Fantasy managers should not rely on Spears as an RB2, RB3, or flex option to begin next year's campaign, but he's an intriguing handcuff stash and late-round draft dart throw in most formats. If No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward exceeds expectations in Year 1, the Tennessee offense could have more upside than suggested by the cost of the Titans' players in fantasy drafts.