Running Back RouletteGet alerts

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

Tyjae Spears

Spears is the listed RB2 behind Pollard.

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

View Tony Pollard’s handcuff breakdown

Week 1 analysis published .

How the work could change

Tennessee’s official depth chart dated Sept. 7 lists Tony Pollard first and Tyjae Spears second, with Julius Chestnut and Nicholas Singleton on the third line. Spears is the evidence-backed replacement despite competition.

Tennessee’s official depth chart dated Sept. 7 lists Tony Pollard first and Tyjae Spears second, with Julius Chestnut and Nicholas Singleton on the third line. Spears is the evidence-backed replacement despite competition.

  • availability_unverified
  • close_scores
  • stale_availability
  • committee risk

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 Thu, Sep 10, 8:01 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 SpearsPublished handcuff		Receiving back2023 · Round 3 · Pick 81active
RB3
Nicholas Singleton		Early-down runner2026 · Round 5 · Pick 165active
RB4
Julius Chestnut		Short-yardage specialist2022 · Undraftedactive
Unlisted
Kalel Mullings		Role under review2025 · Round 6 · Pick 188practice squad
Unlisted
Michael Carter		Role under review2021 · Round 4 · Pick 107practice squad

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 — source review needed

Durable, four-time 1,000-yard rusher who remains atop Tennessee's chart with Brian Daboll now calling plays. Handles all three downs but is not explosive anymore, and Spears has been much more active in the passing game during camp.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

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 2025, his 17 recorded games include 242 carries and 33 receptions on 41 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 — source review needed

Quick, creative complement who has been much more active than Pollard in the passing game this camp and keeps Tennessee from being a one-man backfield. Would take the receiving and change-of-pace load if Pollard sat, but his own availability record is spotty.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

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. 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 2025, his 13 recorded games include 72 carries and 45 receptions on 50 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 · Early-down runner

Nicholas Singleton

Age 22 · Rookie · active

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

Rookie with home-run speed described as quality depth who could carve out snaps behind the top two. Early-down and explosive-play profile; unproven in protection and buried for now on the Week 1 chart.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Tony Pollard. The dated board currently prefers Tyjae Spears 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. 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

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

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

Player research sources

RB4 · 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 special-teamer who takes short-yardage carries when Tennessee needs a heavy back. Roster depth, not a next-man-up candidate.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Tony Pollard. The dated board currently prefers Tyjae Spears 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, Nicholas Singleton. 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 2025, his 16 recorded games include 11 carries and 0 receptions on 2 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 23 · 2 years of NFL experience · practice squad

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

Kalel Mullings is a second-year player listed by TEN at RB, from Michigan. The official roster lists him at 6-2 and 226 pounds.

Research checked Fri, Sep 11, 12:01 PM EDT. Undated biographies support background facts, not a current workload promise.

Path to more work

A practice-squad place keeps him available for development and possible elevation. Any offensive work would depend on an active-roster opening and a team decision to use him in the backfield.

Why the work could go elsewhere

The official roster verifies his current reserve placement and basic background but does not establish backfield rank, pass protection, a three-down role or a projected touch share.

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

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is practice squad. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Role under review

Michael Carter

Age 27 · 5 years of NFL experience · practice squad

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

Michael Carter is a six-year veteran listed by TEN at RB, from North Carolina. The official roster lists him at 5-8 and 201 pounds.

Research checked Fri, Sep 11, 12:01 PM EDT. Undated biographies support background facts, not a current workload promise.

Path to more work

A practice-squad place keeps him available for development and possible elevation. Any offensive work would depend on an active-roster opening and a team decision to use him in the backfield.

Why the work could go elsewhere

The official roster verifies his current reserve placement and basic background but does not establish backfield rank, pass protection, a three-down role or a projected touch share.

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

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is practice squad. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

The production behind the names

2025 regular season. Recorded production, not a projection. A missing stat line is not a zero.

Player comparison for the 2025 regular season
PlayerGames with statsCarriesReceptionsTotal yardsPPR / game
Tony Pollard
1724233128810.9
Tyjae Spears
1372455478.6
Julius Chestnut
16110400.3
Kalel Mullings
—————
Michael Carter
—————
Nicholas Singleton
—————
Tony Pollard: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 1311 touches
Wk 1425 touches
Wk 1515 touches
Wk 1621 touches
Wk 1720 touches
Wk 1817 touches
Tyjae Spears: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 138 touches
Wk 1410 touches
Wk 155 touches
Wk 1618 touches
Wk 177 touches
Wk 1810 touches
Julius Chestnut: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 130 touches
Wk 140 touches
Wk 150 touches
Wk 161 touches
Wk 170 touches
Wk 180 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.

All team backfieldsHandcuff rankingsSunday night stashesMonday night stashesScoring methodology