TreVeyon Henderson lands in New England with a real shot to seize a workhorse role behind a retooled offense. His speed (4.43) and pass-blocking profile offer an on-field path to heavy early-down work, even as the backfield competition evolves under new coaching. D'Andre Swift projects to steady volume in Chicago, where Ben Johnson’s Detroit-era history hints at efficient volume even if Chicago adds more mouths to feed. Pollard’s ceiling remains high if he fends off Tyjae Spears and a more balanced Titans attack, while Brian Robinson Jr. should anchor Washington’s backfield ahead of a healthier offense. Tank Bigsby, Tank Bigsby’s surge in Jacksonville pits him against Etienne for early-down duties, with Bigsby flashing downhill efficiency to challenge for a bigger slice of the carry pie. Ashton Jeanty’s draft landing in Las Vegas signals an immediate high-leverage role, and Ashton could become a staple in fantasy lineups quickly if the Raiders’ offense hits its stride. In short, five sneaky workhorses—Henderson, Swift, Pollard, Robinson Jr., Bigsby—plus late-rounds like Jeanty and Monangai, carve a realistic path to 200–250 carry seasons in 2025, with uphill odds and big upside depending on health and coaching. The 2024 season’s multi-backbird trend shows volume still matters, and a handful of sleepers can vault into bell-cow territory with the right circumstances.

Tennessee’s Tyjae Spears will miss the remainder of the preseason due to a high ankle sprain, with team officials hopeful he can return for Week 1 against Denver. Spears has battled injuries in recent seasons but flashed multi-tools as a rookie (453 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs and 52 receptions for 385 yards; 536 total yards and 5 TDs last year). The injury opens up backfield opportunities in the short term as Tennessee leans on Pollard and a pair of backups to absorb carries as Spears heals.

In the near term, Pollard is positioned for a larger workload after a Pro Bowl-caliber season that saw 1,079 rushing yards. Kalel Mullings and Julius Chestnut figure to benefit if Spears’ absence extends, with Mullings’ 948 rushing yards and 12 TDs at Michigan and Chestnut’s 22-carry tally last season providing a path to increased touches. Fantasy managers should monitor Spears’ timeline and the Titans’ depth chart as Week 1 looms against Denver.

Tyjae Spears is expected to miss several weeks after suffering a high ankle sprain in the Titans’ preseason opener against Tampa Bay. The injury shakes up a projected Titans backfield tandem with Pollard, as the team anticipated a balanced attack featuring both players this season. Spears posted 453 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs, and 52 receptions for 385 yards as a rookie, but also dealt with concussions and other injuries that limited him to 114 touches last year. Fantasy managers should monitor the timetable for Spears’ return and recalibrate short-term expectations for Pollard, who logged 260 carries last season and could see added opportunities if Spears misses time.

On the health front, Callahan offered updates on multiple teammates: T’Vondre Sweat is returning from tonsil removal, with joint practices versus Atlanta on the horizon. Blake Hance and Lloyd Cushenberry III could rejoin practice this week, though Cushenberry remains on the PUP list with Achilles concerns. Rookie Kevin Winston Jr. has been missing practice for general maintenance, and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed is nearing a return but without a firm timeline. The Titans will hold joint practices with the Falcons in Atlanta, shaping rosters ahead of more preseason action while the backfield workload remains in flux for fantasy rosters.

Tyjae Spears will miss a few weeks with a high-ankle sprain, per Titans coach Brian Callahan. Spears, entering his third season, was slated for a prominent Titans backfield role alongside Pollard. Last season he appeared in 12 games, rushing 84 times for 312 yards and four scores, and catching 30 passes for 224 yards and another TD. There remains a real chance he’ll be ready for Tennessee’s season opener against Denver on Sept. 7.

The setback injects volatility into the Titans’ backfield plans, possibly elevating Tony Pollard’s workload early and testing depth behind Spears. Fantasy managers should monitor practice reports closely as Week 1 approaches. If Spears misses time, Pollard’s value could spike, while the Titans could lean on a rotating committee until Spears returns. If Spears is back by opening night, Tennessee will likely deploy a two-back look that preserves both players’ fantasy viability.