Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Tyjae Spears

Thursday, June 25, 10:09 AM

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.