Titans Aim for Better Backfield Balance With Spears and Pollard

After a full season together, the Tennessee Titans want to get more out of their running back duo — Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears.

Pollard, who signed a three-year, $24 million deal last offseason, handled a heavy load in 2023. He ran the ball 260 times for 1,079 yards — both career highs — but carried it more than twice as often as Spears, who had just 84 carries.

Head coach Brian Callahan wants a more balanced approach in 2024.

“In a perfect world, it’s a healthier division of labor [between Pollard and Spears],” Callahan said. “I like really both of those players a lot. I think we can do a better job of managing that load so they both play a little more evenly and allows us to maybe have a spot for a third back between [Julius Chestnut] and [Kalel Mullings], a heavier style back and runner.”

Callahan also hopes to make room for a third running back in the rotation — possibly Julius Chestnut or rookie Kalel Mullings, who brings a more physical running style.

Spears Looks to Bounce Back From Injuries

As a rookie, Spears showed flashes of his potential, especially when paired with then-teammate Derrick Henry. He played all 17 games in 2023, finishing with 453 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, and 52 catches for 385 yards and another score.

But in 2024, his touches dropped due to multiple injuries — two concussions, an ankle sprain, and a hamstring issue — limiting him to 114 total touches. Despite those setbacks, Spears is feeling more confident.

“I’ve done a lot of reflecting in the last year and learned that I can fight adversity really well,” Spears said. “My confidence is building. I’m just taking it one day at a time and being the best I can be right now.”

His best showing came in the season finale, when he ran for a career-high 95 yards on 20 carries against the Jaguars. He also scored four touchdowns in the final three games.

Callahan said Spears has grown a lot since then.

“I’ve been really pleased with where Tyjae is at,” Callahan said. “His personal growth has been outstanding. I’m really excited to see what he can bring to us this year because he’s been in a great place and has had a really nice offseason.”

Pollard Brings Experience — and a New Training Approach

Pollard, now 28, missed just one game last year due to an ankle injury, but he’s fully healthy now. He says he focused more on recovery and conditioning this offseason, knowing the demands of being a veteran in the NFL.

“I feel great,” Pollard said. “Just knowing that being older, being a little bit of a veteran in this league, you got to keep your body in shape so when it’s time to get back on, you’re ready.”

Pollard is no stranger to sharing the backfield. He split carries in college with Darrell Henderson Jr. at Memphis, and in the NFL with Ezekiel Elliott in Dallas. His most productive years actually came in shared roles: he averaged 5.5 yards per carry in 2021 and 5.2 in 2022.

If the Titans reduce Pollard’s touches to around 200, Spears could see about 60 more carries — exactly the balance Callahan wants.

Third Back Could Still Factor In

Callahan has also left the door open for a third back to get involved. At OTAs and minicamp, Pollard and Spears alternated series, while Chestnut mixed in. Mullings was limited as he recovered from core surgery but got a few snaps later on.

Though practices were non-contact, the backs looked sharp — especially when hitting the second level. Pollard and Spears made a habit of finishing every run in the end zone, showing the kind of energy the Titans are looking for.

Big Year Ahead in Tennessee

With training camp approaching, the Titans’ backfield could be a key part of their offensive identity — and it may ease the load on whoever lines up at quarterback. If No. 1 pick Cameron Ward sees the field early, a strong running game would make his transition to the NFL much smoother.

Whether it’s Pollard, Spears, or a three-headed rotation, Tennessee is counting on a more efficient and explosive ground game in 2025.