![Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut (36) warms up before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_77,w_1877,h_1055/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ReutersImages/mmsport/35/01kxk9ww58ra4t8ae1vp.jpg "Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut (36) warms up before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]")
The Tennessee Titans did not make sweeping changes at running back this offseason. They'll enter the 2026 season with a returning one-two punch for the third consecutive campaign. Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears will be Brian Daboll's bellcows on offense.
General manager Mike Borgonzi drafted former Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton with a fifth-round pick. Singelton isn't expected to play a sizable role as a rookie, but he's essentially guaranteed to make the 53-man roster. Perhaps the Titans can develop him to replace one of Spears or Pollard, who are both in contract years.
If the Titans keep four backs on the 53-man roster, there are three contenders battling for that role. Training camp will be decisive. We've assessed all three options below.
3 Titans running backs to compete for final roster spot at training camp
Julius Chestnut
Julius Chestnut began his Titans career as a heartwarming undrafted free agent out of little-known Sacred Heart. Fast forward to today and he's the longest-tenured running back on the roster. Chestnut has made the Titans' initial 53 in four consecutive seasons (2022-25).
Chestnut is typically a preseason darling and also carries special teams value, though he's made occasional mistakes there. His experience and familiarity with special teams coordinator John "Bones" Fassel could be an asset. Chestnut will try to extend his journey in Tennessee.
Kalel Mullings
The Titans selected Kalel Mullings in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft while envisioning him being a short-yardage back and special teams ace. Injuries and inconsistencies prevented that from happening. Mullings' opportunities on offense were few and far between, but he converted three carries into seven yards, including failed short-yardage attempts.
Mullings played 137 snaps on special teams. The former Michigan standout probably doesn't get the benefit-of-the-doubt he received as a rookie. Mullings will have to truly earn a 53-man roster spot this offseason.
Michael Carter
Michael Carter is the lone new addition to this competition, yet he has the most experience with the coaching staff. Carter previously played for Titans head coach Robert Saleh with the New York Jets. That likely played a sizable role in the Titans' decision to sign him.
Carter is an undersized scatback who can be explosive in space. His skill set probably projects closest to Tyjae Spears, who has dealt with injury issues in recent seasons. Mullings and Chestnut are probably better special teams players, which could work against him.
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