Tyjae Spears exits early with an ankle injury in a 29-7 preseason loss to Tampa Bay, likely sidelining him for much of the rest of August. Nashville hints that Spears could miss a couple of weeks, leaving Week 1 timeline uncertain as the Titans search for a reliable backfield path. Brandon Allen connected with Spears on a third-and-long play before the injury, underscoring Spears’ role as a versatile piece in Brian Callahan’s offense when healthy.
The Titans’ depth chart behind Spears includes Julius Chestnut, Kalel Mullings, Jermar Jefferson, and Jordan Mims. Mullings led the group against the Bucs with seven carries for 33 yards and provided special-teams value alongside Chestnut. Tennessee faces two joint practices with Atlanta this week before their next preseason game, then opens the regular season at Denver, intensifying the fantasy ripple effects as Spears’ timetable remains murky.
Historically, Spears has battled ankle sprains, a hamstring issue, and concussions, complicating any quick return timeline. The absence could thrust Tony Pollard into a larger workload early, with Mullings and Chestnut absorbing more touches as the backup committee. For fantasy managers, the injury elevates the need to monitor practice reports, potential Week 1 readiness, and how the Titans restructure their early-down and passing-game usage in Spears’ absence.
