Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears knows the opportunity he has in front of him. After serving in a backup capacity to Derrick Henry as a rookie last season, the 23-year-old is in line for an increased workload this year.
However, the addition of Tony Pollard and his three-year, $21.750 million contract comes with a starting running-back implication. Head coach Brian Callahan stated that he does not view either player as the “starting” running back. Rather, Spears and Pollard will split time.
What that means and what that looks like is yet to be determined, but one thing is for sure: there will be increased pressure to perform in a limited viewing leading up to the start of the 2024 NFL season. That can often result in players pressing to try to force something to happen.
However, Spears understands that he needs to exercise patience when it’s his turn.
“You can’t press it,” Spears said via John Glennon of the Nashville Post. “What I mean by pressing is that you can’t (makes a tensing noise). When you do get your opportunity, you don’t want to be (makes a tensing noise). You want to be calm; you want to be in the moment.
“I was just saying that today. I was like, ‘Man, run your running style and don’t let anybody dictate it because they’re on the other side of the defense. They’re going to do what they’re going to do, and we have to react off what they do.'”
Spears had a strong showing in a secondary role last year. The Tulane standout rushed for 453 yards on 100 carries and scored two touchdowns while playing in 17 games, including one start. Added, Spears was an asset in the passing game, hauling in 52 catches for 385 yards and one touchdown out of the backfield.
Pollard brings a similar skill set, coming over from the Dallas Cowboys. The 2023 season marked the 27-year-old’s first as the lead back. He eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark for the second consecutive year and caught 55 balls for 311 yards.
Both players figure to be key elements in the Titans’ pass-first offense, and their roles will likely sort themselves out as the preseason schedule unfolds.