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2026 NFL backfield

Tennessee Titans running backs

The current roster, the published replacement plan and the production behind each player’s role.

The published backfield plan

Published starter

Tony Pollard

Preferred handcuff

Julius Chestnut

Chestnut is next up by elimination only

Committee uncertainty: an absence could spread work across several backs.

View Tony Pollard’s handcuff breakdown

Week 7 analysis published .

The game covered by this analysis has started or finished. This is a record of that window, not a recommendation for the next game.

How the work could change

Today's Week 7 inactive list names RB Tyjae Spears and RB Nick Singleton among Tennessee's inactives, so Spears did not clear his managed knee this week. That leaves Chestnut, Michael Carter and Kalel Mullings dressed behind Tony Pollard, who practised in full. Chestnut is the listed No. 3 and the big-bodied short-yardage body, which makes him next by elimination rather than by role - he has no carries in four games, Carter's 2026 usage is genuinely unknown, and Mullings has one carry, so an unresolved committee is the honest read and confidence stays low. Chestnut is free almost everywhere; he would need Pollard to sit, and even then the short-yardage work may be all he gets.

Tyjae Spears (knee) and Nicholas Singleton are both inactive for Week 7 against Cleveland, thinning Tennessee's room to Tony Pollard plus Julius Chestnut, Michael Carter and Kalel Mullings. Pollard practised in full and carries no designation. Spears has been managing the knee all season and has been active off a questionable tag twice since Week 4, so this absence reads as week-to-week management rather than a new injury with a stated timeline - hold him as the better longer-term complement, since his passing-down role returns when he does. Chestnut is the eligible body today.

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  • stale_availability
  • conflicting_availability
  • thin_profile
  • unresolved_committee
  • no_2026_carries
  • role_unknown
  • spears_returns_later
  • short_yardage_only

The full backfield depth chart

Every running back and fullback assigned to Tennessee Titans, including reserve and practice-squad entries. Chart order and replacement opportunity answer different questions: a passing-down specialist can sit ahead of the back most likely to inherit the carries.

Source: nflverse depth-chart feed · Feed dated Tue, Oct 27, 2:01 AM EDT. Equal ranks are ties. Unlisted backs are not assigned an invented rank. FB ranks are separate from RB ranks.

Tennessee Titans full running back depth chart
Feed orderPlayerScouting roleDraft investmentRoster status
RB1
Tony PollardPublished starter		Three-down back2019 · Round 4 · Pick 128active
RB2
Tyjae Spears		Receiving back2023 · Round 3 · Pick 81active
RB3
Julius ChestnutPublished handcuff		Short-yardage specialist2022 · Undraftedactive
RB4
Nicholas Singleton		Early-down runner2026 · Round 5 · Pick 165active
RB5
Michael Carter		Role under review2021 · Round 4 · Pick 107active
Unlisted
Kalel Mullings		Role under review2025 · Round 6 · Pick 188active

Every back: role, upside and obstacles

The player assessments below explain the skills that could earn work and the assignments that might go to someone else. Role labels describe scouting assessments; they are not confirmed snap shares. “Three-down” means a skill set for rushing and passing situations, not a guarantee of every down.

RB1 · Three-down back

Tony Pollard

Age 29 · 8 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Capable in saved assessmentPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment

Carries no game designation into Week 7 - his Thursday absence was logged as rest and he practiced in full Friday. Still Tennessee's clear 1A ahead of Spears, who is Questionable, and the Titans have shown little appetite for a split. The live risk to his role stays transactional rather than medical given his expiring deal; no trade has been reported, only speculation.

Scouting assessment saved Sat, Oct 24, 4:00 AM EDT.

Path to more work

He is the starter in the dated board above. For fantasy purposes, the question is how much of the rushing and passing work he keeps when the whole room is available.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A starter can still lose third downs, short-yardage work or change-of-pace touches to specialists. His role assessment describes the skill set, not a guarantee that every assignment stays with him.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2019 · Round 4 · Pick 128

Drafted by DAL; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 7 recorded games include 112 carries and 11 receptions on 16 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB2 · Receiving back

Tyjae Spears

Age 25 · 4 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment

The managed knee finally cost a game: inactive Oct. 25 at Cleveland after the familiar DNP-full-limited week, so last cycle's lean-available call was wrong. Tony Pollard handled it alone - 25 carries, 129 yards, three rushing touchdowns, 155 scrimmage yards in the 27-24 loss. Spears returns to a change-of-pace and passing-down niche, now with week-to-week availability risk.

Scouting assessment saved Mon, Oct 26, 3:54 AM EDT.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Tony Pollard. The dated board currently prefers Julius Chestnut for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Tony Pollard. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A receiving specialist can retain passing-down work without becoming the lead runner. A bigger rushing role could go to a different teammate even if this player appears higher on the chart.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2023 · Round 3 · Pick 81

Drafted by TEN; not necessarily his current team.

Day-two draft investment adds prospect context. His current role, availability and competition still decide whether he gets the next opportunity.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 6 recorded games include 18 carries and 15 receptions on 17 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB3 · Short-yardage specialist

Julius Chestnut

Age 25 · 5 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Big-bodied short-yardage and special-teams back. With Pollard and Spears both ankle-limited as of Sept. 23 he is the healthy veteran body in a thinned room, but Sept. 23 coverage pointed to rookie Nicholas Singleton, not Chestnut, as the workload beneficiary. Depth piece rather than a next-man-up hold.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 24, 3:49 AM EDT. This assessment is older than 14 days or has an invalid date; current-role review is needed.

Path to more work

The dated board selects him as the preferred replacement behind Tony Pollard. That is a projection of the replacement role, not a promise that he gets every touch.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

Short-yardage work can carry touchdown value without a large snap share. A specialist could remain in that package while a teammate inherits the open-field carries and receiving work.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2022 · Undrafted

He entered without draft investment. That says how he arrived, not what he can become; current usage and coaching trust carry more weight now.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 5 recorded games include 0 carries and 0 receptions on 0 targets. Receiving volume is not established by these records. Do not read that as proof he cannot catch or protect the quarterback.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB4 · Early-down runner

Nicholas Singleton

Age 22 · Rookie · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment

Inactive again Oct. 18 at Indianapolis with no injury listed - the healthy-scratch outcome once Spears cleared his knee designation. This is a usage problem, not an injury one: the early-down speed is unchanged, but he is behind Pollard and Spears and not dressing on game day. Dynasty stash only; in redraft he is droppable unless one of the two above him misses time.

Scouting assessment saved Mon, Oct 19, 3:52 AM EDT.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Tony Pollard. The dated board currently prefers Julius Chestnut for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, Julius Chestnut. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

An early-down profile offers a path to carries between the tackles. A receiving or protection specialist could still handle third downs, limiting a full-workload takeover.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2026 · Round 5 · Pick 165

Drafted by TEN; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 2 recorded games include 7 carries and 0 receptions on 0 targets. Receiving volume is not established by these records. Do not read that as proof he cannot catch or protect the quarterback.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB5 · Role under review

Michael Carter

Age 27 · 5 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Listed in a tie for third on Tennessee's unofficial depth chart dated 10/5/26, alongside Julius Chestnut and behind Pollard and the Spears/Singleton pairing. Veteran depth, no established 2026 role. No current-season usage, snap or injury reporting was located this cycle, so his role and workload are genuinely unknown rather than projected - the depth-chart spot is the only verified fact.

Scouting assessment saved Fri, Oct 9, 3:54 AM EDT. This assessment is older than 14 days or has an invalid date; current-role review is needed.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Tony Pollard. The dated board currently prefers Julius Chestnut for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, Julius Chestnut, Nicholas Singleton. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A clear role assessment is not available. Rushing experience, receiving usage and protection responsibilities need checking before treating him as a direct replacement.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2021 · Round 4 · Pick 107

Drafted by NYJ; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 1 recorded game include 3 carries and 1 receptions on 1 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Role under review

Kalel Mullings

Age 24 · 2 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established

Individual scouting research is pending. The recorded workload and draft history below provide the available context.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Tony Pollard. The dated board currently prefers Julius Chestnut for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A clear role assessment is not available. Rushing experience, receiving usage and protection responsibilities need checking before treating him as a direct replacement.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2025 · Round 6 · Pick 188

Drafted by TEN; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 1 recorded game include 1 carries and 0 receptions on 0 targets. Receiving volume is not established by these records. Do not read that as proof he cannot catch or protect the quarterback.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

The production behind the names

2026 regular season. Recorded production, not a projection. A missing stat line is not a zero.

Player comparison for the 2026 regular season
PlayerGames with statsCarriesReceptionsTotal yardsPPR / game
Tony Pollard
71121152812.5
Julius Chestnut
50000.0
Kalel Mullings
11030.3
Michael Carter
131142.4
Nicholas Singleton
270120.6
Tyjae Spears
618151414.5
Tony Pollard: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2026

Wk 215 touches
Wk 321 touches
Wk 418 touches
Wk 514 touches
Wk 619 touches
Wk 728 touches
Julius Chestnut: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 5 recorded games in 2026

Wk 20 touches
Wk 30 touches
Wk 40 touches
Wk 60 touches
Wk 70 touches
Kalel Mullings: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 1 recorded games in 2026

Wk 51 touches
Michael Carter: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 1 recorded games in 2026

Wk 74 touches
Nicholas Singleton: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 2 recorded games in 2026

Wk 24 touches
Wk 43 touches
Tyjae Spears: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2026

Wk 15 touches
Wk 29 touches
Wk 33 touches
Wk 43 touches
Wk 511 touches
Wk 62 touches

Totals include all teams played for that season. Per-game averages use games with recorded stats. Source: nflverse player statistics.

Evidence behind the backfield analysis

Compare your next bench move

A handcuff is an opportunity to hold, not a projected starter for this week. Compare the room with other teams, then choose a game window that fits your league’s rules.

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