- Tyjae Spears
- #2
- Team TEN
- Pos RB
- Status AActive
-
Even split coming for Week 1
Spears is expected to split snaps evenly with Tony Pollard in the Titans' Week 1 matchup against the Bears, Jim Wyatt of the team's official site reports.
Analysis: The Titans have consistently stated that Spears and Pollard are viewed as interchangeable, and offensive coordinator Nick Holz reiterated that again Wednesday. He did note that both backs have plays specifically installed in the offense for them, with preseason usage suggesting that the team prefers Pollard in short-yardage situations. That could hurt Spears' ability to find the end zone, though he'll likely have the opportunity to make up for that with his playmaking ability as a pass catcher.
Published: Fri, Sep 6 at 6:39am by Rotowire.com
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Cedes key snaps to Pollard
Spears rushed four times for 12 yards and caught his only target for 12 yards in Sunday's 30-27 preseason win over the Saints.
Analysis: Spears watched Tony Pollard play the opening drive and score a one-yard rushing touchdown before checking in for the second possession. While Spears played most of the second drive with the first-team offense, the Titans opted to put Pollard back in for a fourth-and-1, and Pollard rewarded that decision with a 14-yard catch to extend the possession. Spears also got a couple reps with second-string quarterback Mason Rudolph on the third drive, and his lone reception came on a pass from Rudolph.…read more
Published: Sun, Aug 25 at 2:20pm by Rotowire.com
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Sees four touches to Pollard's six
Spears rushed three times for two yards and a touchdown and caught his only target for two yards in Saturday's 17-13 preseason win over the Titans.
Analysis: Tony Pollard was the first back deployed in Saturday's exhibition, but Spears had his touches mixed in with the first-unit offense. The 23-year-old didn't do much with his four touches in comparison to co-starter Pollard (6-46-0), but he was able to cash in a short touchdown run behind a revamped offensive line. Both backs should continue to get plenty of run this preseason as they jockey for position atop Tennessee's depth chart.
Published: Sat, Aug 10 at 8:12pm by Rotowire.com
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Faces new competition in Pollard
Spears faces a new backfield situation that's set to add Tony Pollard via a three-year, $24 million contract, while Derek Henry remains slated for free agency, Eric Edholm of NFL.com reports.
Analysis: Spears, a 2023 third-round pick, is coming off a strong rookie season in which he compiled 838 yards from scrimmage and three total touchdowns, showcasing versatility and explosiveness despite only getting one chance to handle double-digit carries in a game. The Titans' decision to sign Pollard appears to simultaneously signal the end of Henry's era with the team. Spears could have an easier path to genuinely competing for touches with Pollard, whereas Henry was firmly entrenched as a true lead…read more
Published: Tue, Mar 12 at 8:57am by Rotowire.com
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Two scores to end rookie season
Spears rushed the ball three times for 25 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 28-20 win over the Jaguars. He added three receptions (on three targets) for 31 yards and another score.
Analysis: Derrick Henry dominated touches out of the backfield, though Spears showed big-play ability as the change-of-pace option by scoring twice on only six total touches. Spears' first trip to the end zone came on a 28-yard reception, during which he weaved his way through several Jacksonville defenders while balancing himself against the sideline. He followed that up with a more straightforward three-yard run for his second touchdown, though he did show strong balance while shaking off defenders.…read more
Published: Mon, Jan 8 at 7:08pm by Rotowire.com
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Struggles on six carries
Spears ran for zero yards on six carries and caught four passes for 29 yards on six targets in Sunday's 26-3 loss to the Texans.
Analysis: The Titans were completely overmatched against Houston, and no aspect of the Tennessee offense gained much traction. Spears saw RB3 Jonathan Ward take three carries in this one, but the blowout was probably a factor in that outcome. Spears has no serious competition for the RB2 role alongside Derrick Henry, and Spears should continue to see most passing-down snaps as well as almost all of the non-Henry carries in the Tennessee offense.
Published: Sun, Dec 31 at 3:24pm by Rotowire.com
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Earns 14 touches in Week 16
Spears notched nine carries for 40 yards and five catches (on six targets) for 27 yards during Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Seahawks.
Analysis: The Titans have incorporated the rookie third-round pick more in the offense in the last three contests, as he has earned at least 10 touches on each occasion. The trend continued Sunday, and the current four-game stretch has yielded 174 yards on the ground and 136 yards through the air on 57 touches. Tennessee's lead runner Derrick Henry got back into a groove Sunday, though, with 20 touches for 99 yards from scrimmage and one rushing TD, so Spears seemingly will be capped in the lower teens…read more
Published: Sun, Dec 24 at 3:44pm by Rotowire.com
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Held to 37 total yards
Spears rushed the ball nine times for 30 yards in Sunday's 19-16 loss to Houston. He added one catch on one target for seven yards.
Analysis: Spears saw his second-highest carry total of the season, though he lacked his typical explosiveness. He was limited to a long gain of only nine yards, and his 37 total yards from scrimmage was his lowest mark since Week 8. Spears should have the chance to bounce back in a Week 16 matchup against a susceptible Seattle rush defense.
Published: Sun, Dec 17 at 3:47pm by Rotowire.com
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Tops 100 total yards again
Spears rushed the ball seven times for 29 yards in Monday's 28-27 win over Miami. He added six receptions on eight targets for 89 yards.
Analysis: Spears had only 23 yards from scrimmage in the first half, but he emerged as a favorite target of Will Levis in the final 17 minutes of game time. That began with a 30-yard catch that set up a field goal at the end of the third quarter. Spears then delivered long catches of 21 and 12 yards on a touchdown drive to bring the Titans within one score in the middle of the fourth quarter. Overall, he managed at least 100 yards from scrimmage for the second consecutive game, with Monday's effort being…read more
Published: Mon, Dec 11 at 9:18pm by Rotowire.com
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Could have chance as lead back
Spears rushed the ball 16 times for 75 yards in Sunday's 31-28 overtime loss to the Colts. He added four receptions on six targets for 13 yards.
Analysis: Spears played his typical complimentary role for much of the contest, as 13 of his 20 touches came after Derrick Henry (head) was forced to exit. He made a positive impact on the game, as he picked up 20 yards on the Titans' game-tying drive late in the fourth quarter and also accounted for 27 yards on the team's overtime drive that led to a field goal. Spears has been efficient when given opportunity this season, and he could be in line for the lead-back role in Tennessee's Week 14 matchup…read more
Published: Sun, Dec 3 at 3:54pm by Rotowire.com
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Minimal opportunity in Week 12
Spears rushed the ball two times for six yards in Sunday's 17-10 win over the Panthers. He added one reception on three targets for one yard.
Analysis: Spears saw his lowest touch total of the season, and he's now been held under 20 rushing yards in four consecutive games. He's shown explosive ability at various points in his rookie campaign, but with such limited opportunity, his contributions on a weekly basis are unreliable.
Published: Sun, Nov 26 at 10:59pm by Rotowire.com
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Held to 26 yards
Spears rushed the ball four times for 14 yards in Sunday's 34-14 loss to the Jaguars. He added two receptions (on two targets) for 12 yards.
Analysis: The entire Titans offense was limited, as they ran only 38 plays. That trickled down to Spears, who saw his lowest touch total since Week 8. While he has shown big-play potential at times in his rookie year, Spears will struggle to produce fantasy-viable stat lines due to the state of the Tennessee offense.
Published: Mon, Nov 20 at 8:20pm by Rotowire.com
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Totals 60 scrimmage yards in loss
Spears rushed five times for 18 yards and brought in four of five targets for 42 yards in the Titans' 20-6 loss to the Buccaneers on Sunday.
Analysis: Spears duplicated his modest rushing line from a Week 9 loss to the Steelers and gained all but three of his yards on one carry, but he made much more of an impact through the air. The rookie finished with a team-high reception total and was second only to Kyle Philips in receiving yards with a total that qualified as his best single-game figure yet. Spears has now played 77 snaps from scrimmage over the last two games, and it remains to be seen if he'll begin commanding a larger share of the…read more
Published: Mon, Nov 13 at 9:24am by Rotowire.com
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Nine total touches
Spears rushed the ball five times for 18 yards in Thursday's 20-16 loss to the Titans. He added four receptions on six targets for four yards.
Analysis: Spears put up his lowest yardage total since Week 3, though he was on the field for his highest snap rate (60 percent) and also saw the highest target total of his young career. That said, while his overall production is underwhelming, his usage was encouraging. He could continue to see growing usage if the Titans continue to lose and fall out of playoff contention.
Published: Fri, Nov 3 at 11:48pm by Rotowire.com
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Listed as full Tuesday
Spears (ankle) was listed as a full participant on the Titans' estimated injury report Tuesday, Ben Arthur of FoxSports.com reports.
Analysis: Tennessee has held walkthroughs this week as it prepares for Thursday's contest at Pittsburgh, but Spears was able to follow up Monday's limited listing with all on-field work one day later. Meanwhile, Derrick Henry (ankle) remained limited Tuesday, potentially leaving the door open for Spears to handle more snaps Week 9 if the former is at all inhibited Thursday.
Published: Tue, Oct 31 at 2:19pm by Rotowire.com
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Limited by ankle issue
Spears was listed as limited on Monday's estimated practice report due to an ankle injury, John Glennon of NashvillePost.com reports.
Analysis: Like Titans starting running back Derrick Henry, Spears had a cap on his reps at Monday's walkthrough due to an ankle concern. With the health of the team's top two backfield options in some flux, it'll be key to keep an eye on the pair Tuesday and Wednesday to see if either player may be in danger of sitting out Thursday at Pittsburgh.
Published: Mon, Oct 30 at 4:45pm by Rotowire.com
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Makes big play in loss
Spears carried the ball four times for 15 yards in Sunday's 24-16 loss to the Ravens. He added one reception for 48 yards.
Analysis: Though not necessarily indicated by the final score, the Ravens dominated the game from the standpoint of plays run and time of possession. That limited the opportunity for Spears and all of Tennessee's skill position players, and he matched his season low in touches as a result. However, Spears still managed to showcase his playmaking ability when he took a quick dump-off pass for a 48-yard gain late in the fourth quarter while weaving his way through Baltimore's defense. Derrick Henry will…read more
Published: Sun, Oct 15 at 11:24am by Rotowire.com
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First career touchdown
Spears rushed the ball seven times for 34 yards with a touchdown in Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Colts. He added four receptions on five targets for 35 yards.
Analysis: Spears had a career day, tallying his most touches (11) and total yards (69) as a pro through five games. He also found the end zone for the first time, as he took an end around 19 yards early in the third quarter. Derrick Henry will remain the lead back in Tennessee, but Spears has shown impressive efficiency as a runner early in the campaign, which could lead to additional opportunity moving forward.
Published: Sun, Oct 8 at 9:02pm by Rotowire.com
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Best all-around performance
Spears recorded 40 yards on five carries in Sunday's 27-3 win over the Bengals. He added three receptions for 18 yards.
Analysis: Spears tied for a career high with 33 offensive snaps in the Titans' blowout win. That helped him to his most productive performance as a pro and marked the second time he topped 50 total yards across four contests. Derrick Henry continues to lead the backfield, but Spears has shown the ability to be productive and has consistently seen between eight and 10 touches per game.
Published: Mon, Oct 2 at 6:27pm by Rotowire.com
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Struggles in tough matchup
Spears carried the ball four times for six yards in Sunday's 27-3 loss to the Browns. He added four receptions for three yards.
Analysis: Spears became the latest victim of the Browns' stifling defense early this season, as he narrowly managed more yards from scrimmage than touches in the game. There were some positives to take away from his role, however, as he was the back on the field for the entirety of a Titans drive just before halftime. The team continues to find ways to work Spears onto the field, though he is still clearly working behind Derrick Henry in the backfield.
Published: Mon, Sep 25 at 6:36pm by Rotowire.com
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Works efficiently again
Spears rushed the ball eight times for 49 yards in Sunday's 27-24 overtime win over the Chargers. He added two receptions (on two targets) for six yards.
Analysis: Spears saw his relative role in the Titans offense shrink as compared to Week 1, as he managed 10 total touches to Derrick Henry's 28. He showed some explosiveness with his opportunity by tallying long gains of 14 and 11 yards. While clearly the second back on the depth chart, Spears has a role in the offense and should see high single-digit touches on a weekly basis.
Published: Mon, Sep 18 at 7:41pm by Rotowire.com
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Gets in full practice Thursday
Spears (groin) was upgraded to a full participant in Thursday's practice, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Spears was limited Wednesday, but it sounds like a non-issue for the rookie heading into Week 2 against the Chargers. He played 54 percent of the Week 1 snaps versus New Orleans, totaling just 28 yards on four touches while catching only one of his four targets.
Published: Thu, Sep 14 at 1:49pm by Rotowire.com
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Limited at practice Wednesday
Spears (groin) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday ahead of Sunday's game versus the Chargers, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.
Analysis: The exact nature of the injury he's dealing with isn't known, so it will be worth keeping an eye on Tennessee's Thursday and Friday injury reports for more clarity. If he misses time, Julius Chestnut will be in line to back up Derrick Henry.
Published: Wed, Sep 13 at 1:34pm by Rotowire.com
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Sees four targets
Spears carried the ball three times for 27 yards in Sunday's 16-15 loss to the Saints. He added one reception on four targets for one yard.
Analysis: Spears was shockingly on the field more than Derrick Henry, as he played on 54 percent of offensive snaps as opposed to Henry's 46 percent clip. Their respective workload did not follow suit, though Spears' involvement in the passing game was noteworthy. The Titans have talked up the rookie's potential since minicamp, and it's clear they'll utilize him in a significant way as a complement to Henry.
Published: Mon, Sep 11 at 6:52pm by Rotowire.com
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Works ahead of other backs again
Spears had nine carries for 28 yards and caught two of three targets for 13 yards in Friday's preseason game against New England.
Analysis: Spears got the start and took three carries for three yards on the opening drive while Ryan Tannehill was at quarterback. The rookie then stayed on to play four drives with Malik Willis, getting the first six carries of the game for Tennessee before Julius Chestnut and Jacques Patrick started mixing in. Spears threw a vicious stiff-arm on one of his runs and further cemented his status as the No. 2 back behind only Derrick Henry heading into his NFL regular-season debut Week 1 at New Orleans.
Published: Fri, Aug 25 at 7:37pm by Rotowire.com
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Showcases explosiveness
Spears rushed the ball seven times for 57 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 24-16 preseason over the Vikings.
Analysis: Spears was the first back on the field and played three offensive possessions with Derrick Henry sitting out. He ended his appearance in style by ripping off a 33-yard touchdown, during which he hurdled a defender near the line of scrimmage before showcasing breakaway speed to find the corner of the end zone. Spears will enter the season as the backup to Derrick Henry but should offer big-play ability as a change-of-pace back.
Published: Sat, Aug 19 at 9:40pm by Rotowire.com
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Good showing in preseason debut
Spears ran for 32 yards on six carries in Tennessee's preseason game against Chicago on Saturday.
Analysis: The third-round pick out of Tulane started for the Titans, adding a four-yard reception on one target in addition to the solid rushing output. Spears might have volume limitations at around 200 pounds and with a concerning knee injury history, but his ability with the football is beyond questioning. Fellow backup prospect Julius Chestnut also did well for himself (seven carries for 46 yards), but given Spears' better pedigree he remains the favorite to back up Derrick Henry in 2023.
Published: Sat, Aug 12 at 2:36pm by Rotowire.com
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Continues to impress
Spears, who has regularly been "one of the most active players" this offseason, stood out once again during Tuesday's minicamp practice, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.
Analysis: Though the 2023 third-round selection is clearly behind undisputed top back Derrick Henry in the pecking order, the rookie has a chance to secure a key complementary role this coming season. Along with Spears, 2022 fourth-round pick Hassan Haskins is also in the mix for work behind Henry, though offensive coordinator Tim Kelly told Wyatt that the team plans "to give [Spears] as much as he can handle." With that in mind, it will be worth monitoring how the competition between Spears and Haskins…read more
Published: Wed, Jun 7 at 10:31am by Rotowire.com
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