The Tennessee Titans will play their second preseason game on Friday, facing off against the Atlanta Falcons, and the stakes will be higher than they were a week ago. While it’s still just a preseason game, the end of training camp is quickly nearing. That means it’s time for the starters to get in regular season form, and it’s time for the rest of the players to prove they belong on the roster.
One player who will have a good opportunity to prove he belongs on Friday is rookie running back Kalel Mullings. Currently third on the depth chart, Mullings will likely see increased action in the game and in joint practices, since Tyjae Spears is sidelined with an ankle injury. With this opportunity, Mullings could prove he deserves a role in the offense, despite being a late-round rookie.
Kalel Mullings could capitalize on increased reps with Tyjae Spears sidelined
Mullings was selected in the sixth round of the 2025 Draft out of Michigan, and was Tennessee’s final selection. The 6-foot-2, 226-pound running back brings good size to the backfield, and he’s been trying to show how that will benefit him on the field. In college, it helped him rush for 1,201 yards and 16 touchdowns on 235 carriers.
Coming to Tennessee, it was clear he wouldn’t be any higher than three on the depth chart, with Tony Pollard entrenched as the starter, and Tyjae Spears as the primary backup. However, running back isn’t like most positions, where the third string would never see the field outside of injuries. Unless a franchise has a star at the position, teams are usually comfortable giving multiple backs carries, and rolling with the hot hand.
Mullings has the chance to prove he could be the hot hand this week. In the first preseason game, he did lead the Titans with seven rushes for 33 yards, and he’ll have the chance to improve on those numbers this week.