Tennessee Titans fans were excited about rookie running back Nicholas Singleton and his prospects heading into the 2026 season. That's despite head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll pumping the brakes on his immediate outlook throughout training camp. The hype was immediately killed in Week 1.
Singleton was a healthy scratch for the home-opener loss to the New York Jets. The most recent depth chart update has Singleton as the RB4 before Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, and Julius Chestnut. That's exactly how it looked in Week 1, with Chestnut active ahead of the rookie.
It's clear Singleton faces an uphill battle to earn snaps on offense this season. The Titans will enter the Week 2 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles intending to lean on Pollard and Spears in the backfield. This coaching staff doesn't trust Singleton to play a legitimate role.
Titans rookie RB Nicholas Singleton isn't trusted to make an impact yet
The Titans essentially had to abandon the run game altogether in Week 1 after trailing the Jets by multiple scores. Pollard posted effective and efficient numbers despite having limited opportunities. He rushed for 35 yards via seven carries, averaging five yards per attempt.
There's no reason to believe the Titans will downgrade Pollard's role anytime soon. He's viewed as the workhorse in Coach Daboll's backfield. They'll probably try to establish Pollard against the Eagles this weekend in hopes of playing a competitive contest.
Spears is the preferred change-of-pace back. Spears is an explosive scatback with a complimentary skill set to what Pollard offers. If the Titans continue losing games, perhaps they'll have the discussion about promoting a youth movement on offense that provides Singleton with opportunity.
Both Pollard and Spears are in fate-deciding contract campaigns. The current expectation is that both backs will leave the franchise in free agency next offseason. Perhaps they'd even be candidates to get traded at the deadline if the rebuilding Titans continue losing.
The Titans should possess interest in seeing Singleton at some point. This season is all about building a supportive ecosystem around young quarterback Cam Ward. With Pollard and Spears being used as temporary solutions, there's value in assessing Singleton's long-term outlook.
Singleton's current positioning on the depth chart strongly indicates that won't happen versus the Eagles in Week 2. The fanbase will need to continue exercising patience. Singleton should eventually play a role on this Titans offense, but it doesn't appear to be happening anytime soon.
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