The Titans could be shorthanded in the backfield to begin the regular season. Tyjae Spears is dealing with a high ankle sprain and is set to miss time as a result. 
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Head coach Brian Callahan said (via ESPN’s Turron Davenport) the team does not expect Spears to return in time for either of Tennessee’s remaining preseason games. Missed time in September could be in store as well depending on how his recovery process shakes out. Spears is in line to once again operate as part of a tandem with Tony Pollard in 2025.
Pollard topped 1,000 rushing yards for the third consecutive season during his debut Tennessee campaign. Spears – who impressed as a rookie spelling Derrick Henry – missed five games last year as a result of multiple injuries. That limited the former third-rounder to 536 scrimmage yards in 2024, but a clean bill of health for the coming season could see him take on an increased workload and thus enjoy an uptick in production. If Spears is forced to miss regular season game action, Julius Chestnut and sixth-round rookie Kalel Mullings would be tasked with backing up Pollard.
In other Titans injury news, Callahan noted center Lloyd Cushenberry is nearing a return. The 2024 free agent addition suffered an Achilles tear last season, and he has been on the active/PUP list throughout training camp while continuing to rehab. Cushenberry could return to practice this week, per Callahan, something which would be a welcomed sight for the Titans’ new-look offensive line.
Callahan also said cornerback L’Jarius Sneed is close to returning. A number of updates (ranging from positive to worrisome) have emerged in his case, but the latest indicated Sneed’s 2024 quad injury has healed. An offseason knee surgery was instead responsible for the trade acquisition landing on the active/PUP list in July. Sneed missed 12 games last year, so a healthy campaign this time around would be key for himself and Tennessee’s secondary.