Tennessee Titans: Mike Vrabel, Rod Smith talk new RB’s potential role

Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel and new running back Rod Smith talked about what his potential role might be.

While we weren’t surprised the Tennessee Titans added running back Dalyn Dawkins off the practice squad to the active roster, the signing of fellow back Rod Smith was somewhat of a surprise.

The Titans will now carry four backs with Derrick Henry, Dion Lewis, Dawkins and Smith, but what can we expect from Tennessee’s new backs, and in particular, Smith?

Unfortunately after the media asked Vrabel about it on Wednesday, we don’t really have much of an exact idea, per Jim Wyatt of Titans Online.

"“That’s the thing, when you sign guys, the role is really yet to be determined,” Vrabel said. “They define their role by what they can do on the practice field, what they can handle … and then we’ll decide as they go further. But he’s a versatile piece who has carried the football, he’s played fullback, he’s played on special teams.”"

Smith is a big back, standing at 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds. With size like that, Smith could easily fill the role that running back David Fluellen was supposed to as a fullback-type.

Of course, Smith also offers value as a traditional back, as he can catch the ball out of the backfield and be the guy who carries the rock when Henry needs a breather. Both of those potential roles could limit Lewis’ opportunities moving forward, which wouldn’t be such a bad thing considering he hasn’t exactly been productive this season.

And, as Vrabel mentioned, Smith can play on special teams. The back is somewhat of an ace in that regard. The former Dallas Cowboy was second on the team in special teams stops last season, per John Glennon of The Athletic.

Whatever the case may be, Smith says he’s ready to do whatever the team asks of him.

"“It’s exciting,” Smith said. “I just want to go out there and compete and help my team win. Whatever they want me to do, I’ll do. This team has some beasts at the position, so I am going to come in and learn what I can from the guys who have been here.”"

We’ll have a better idea of how the Titans plan to use their new Swiss Army knife this coming Sunday when the Titans travel to Denver to take on the Broncos.