The Tennessee Titans held their sixth of 10 OTA practices on Friday. It also happened to be the second session open to local media members, so reports arrived from on-scene. Among the veteran stalwarts worth monitoring closely is fourth-year running back Tyjae Spears.
The oft-injured Spears is entering a critical contract year. There haven't been any reports that Mike Borgonzi is interested in holding discussions over a contract extension. Understandably so, given Spears' recent history.
Spears is getting a much-needed fresh start under head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. OTAs provide Spears with an opportunity to course-correct the last few disappointing campaigns. All indications are that he's off an impressive start.
Tyjae Spears is already under pressure midway through Titans OTAs
Spears impressed onlookers at the Titans' first and second OTA practice sessions. The former Tulane standout busted free and into space on several plays, according to Jim Wyatt's observations. Spears needs to continue stacking positive plays during offseason practices while staying healthy.
Spears got injured in the Titans' preseason opener last season and that hampered his output. The 2023 third-round selection averaged a pedestrian 3.9 yards per carry and scored a career-low two touchdowns. It was a disappointing follow up to Spears' 2024 season, which saw him limited to a personal-worst 12 appearances.
Spears' last two seasons have essentially been disappointing write-offs after an impressive 2023 rookie campaign. He's now facing stiff competition for reps. Tony Pollard returns as the Titans' lead back, and Borgonzi also drafted Nicholas Singleton in the fifth round.
Singleton poses an immediate threat to Spears' standing on the Titans' depth chart. The former Penn State back is an athletic specimen with tons of pass-catching experience. If Singleton can smooth out the rougher edges of his skill set, he could begin eating into Spears' workload.
Spears is a Titans veteran whose career began with upside and future promise. Injuries and inconsistencies derailed his 2024 and 2025 campaigns. Spears now enters a fate-deciding contract season in 2026, and OTAs represents the beginning of his opportunity to carve out a keynote contributing role in Brian Daboll's offense.
Add us as a preferred source on Google