NFL roster cutdown day is rapidly approaching, and the 53-man squad for the Tennessee Titans is beginning to take shape. As far as the running back position is concerned, Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, and Nicholas Singleton are obvious locks to make the roster, and there could be a fourth body as well.
Kalel Mullings is an obvious contender for that spot, as he was drafted by Mike Borgonzi last year and has been strong on special teams. Michael Carter is also one to watch, as he has legitimate NFL experience and production under his belt and has a preexisting relationship with Robert Saleh.
Julius Chestnut is also firmly in the mix for that position and it feels like many fans have overlooked him, but that has changed in the recent few days. Chestnut is still in Nashville after showing out in the past few preseasons, and recent comments from special teams coordinator John "Bones" Fassel show why the Titans still value him.
Julius Chestnut is the clear frontrunner for fourth RB spot on Tennessee Titans' 53-man roster
As far as actually running the ball goes, Chestnut has been strong in preseason games, carrying the ball on eight occasions for 48 yards. He has toughness and juice, and was trending upward after Week 2 of the preseason.
The press conference with Titans coordinators earlier this week only amplified that sentiment when Fassel was asked to speak about Chestnut. To say Fassel spoke glowingly of him would be an understatement.
John Fassel agrees.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 25, 2026
Reporter: What does Julius Chestnut do well?
Fassel: Everything, everything. One of the best I've ever coached. I have a points system I keep for special teams. He's scored the most in a regular season I've seen in 18 yrs of coaching. https://t.co/Ecp9nCoRqb pic.twitter.com/nCpmBUNwXh
This is absolutely not coach-speak by Fassel, as he said that Chestnut is one of the best special teams players he has coached in 18 years. He repeated the word "everything" at least five times when asked what Chestnut does well, and just the way he spoke showed what a strong impression the 25-year-old has made on his special teams coach.
Everyone knows how important special teams prowess is for guys at the bottom of the depth chart, and Chestnut clearly does it at a higher level than most. That alone makes it extremely unlikely that the Titans would waive him and take the risk of him being claimed by another team.
One other thing Fassel mentioned about Chestnut is that he is a strong blocker, and that matters a lot for RB's at the bottom of the depth chart, and also extends beyond special teams. For instance, the Titans clearly are not going to waive Singleton, but he struggled mightily in pass blocking in the first preseason game and has to get better.
The Titans would certainly prefer to have more than two RB's they can trust in passing situations, and right now, they can certainly trust Chestnut. He might be far from the top of the depth chart, but he is a well rounded player who has serious intangibles.
It would be a surprise if Chestnut doesn't make the Titans' 53-man roster.
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