Spears will be forced to miss at least four games as he deals with his high-ankle sprain. The 24-year-old tailback’s workload will likely be replaced with a few more touches by Tony Pollard with Julius Chestnut operating as the backup tailback.

Spears’ preseason is now over, as the third-year back will look to get right before Week 1 when the Titans visit the Broncos. Spears exited Saturday’s preseason game against the Buccaneers on a cart after totaling 12 yards from scrimmage on four touches. Tony Pollard will likely serve in a three-down role throughout the duration of Spears’ absence, but as far as the preseason is concerned, Julius Chestnut and Kalel Mullings will stand to see increased workloads over the final two preseason games.

Spears limped to the sideline after delivering a 13-yard catch-and-run. Overall, he rushed three times for minus-one yards and caught 1-of-1 targets for 13 yards. Starting RB Tony Pollard would likely operate as a three-down player if Spears were to miss time.

Spears totaled 114 touches last season (9.5 touches/gm) and averaged 4.7 yards per touch while finding the end zone five times. He missed five games due to injury and was less efficient than he was in 2023, but according to Fowler, Spears “has looked explosive running through holes” and could parlay that into a bigger workload. It’s worth noting that Fowler also said Tony Pollard is “the feature back and one of (the Titans’) best players,” so any expectations for Spears should be somewhat tempered. That said, Spears continues to make for an interesting late-round dart throw in fantasy drafts and would be a lock to earn double-digit touches should Pollard ever miss time.