Tennessee Titans rookie running back Nicholas Singleton was a healthy scratch in Week 1. He made his debut in Week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles, gaining 10 yards via four carries. Singleton's sample size, combined with injury concerns, could lead to an expanded role versus the New York Giants in Week 3.
Both veteran running backs Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears appear on the injury report this week. Pollard was upgraded to limited on Thursday, but Spears was listed as a non-participant on both Wednesday and Thursday with an ankle injury. Singleton could be prepping for a larger workload if Spears misses Sunday's game.
Even if Pollard likely to be 100% available, the Titans flashed a willingness to field a three-headed monster in the backfield versus the Eagles. That could continue, as the offense ran the football effectively. Singleton's role could increase as the weeks progress.
Titans fans want to see more Nicholas Singleton in Week 3
Singleton only averaged 2.5 yards per attempt. Having reviewed the tape, the former Nittany Lions rusher showcased good juice and explosiveness. Singleton's vision could have been better, and we guarantee a review of the film showed the same for the coaching staff. That was essentially his scouting report coming out of Penn State (athletic, with vision issues).
Singleton showed enough upside to warrant more carries. The Titans obviously believed he was ready to be showcased. Expanding his role could lead to more consistent results while smoothing out the rougher edges of his skill set.
It'll be worth monitoring how the Titans plan to divide the workload amidst injury concerns. Ankle injuries are tricky designations for ball carriers. Together, Pollard and Spears combined for 135 all-purpose yards versus the Eagles.
Titans have good reason to keep expanding Nicholas Singleton's role
Both Pollard and Spears are on expiring contracts. General manager Mike Borgonzi didn't show public interest in signing either party to a contract extension this past offseason. Instead, he drafted Singleton to hopefully be a future replacement.
Singleton missed a chunk of training camp and the preseason with an injury. It wasn't surprising to witness the Titans ease him into the rotation. But after sitting out Week 1, there were promising signs in his debut.
Singleton should play again versus the Giants in Week 3. The rookie ball-carrier adds a layer of athleticism and unpredictability to a backfield sorting through injury concerns. Hopefully he continues making progress.
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