ODD MAN OUT: Running Backs

As the NFL season vastly approaches, the Titans roster will take shape in the next two months. Over the next few weeks, coaches will take a look at every single position group and tough choices will have to be made. We do the same thing here, this time continuing in our “ODD MAN OUT” series by taking a look at the running back room.

RB 1: Tony Pollard Tony Pollard may be the most underrated and under-appreciated Titans on the team. Ever since joining in 2024, Pollard has had 2 straight 1,000 yard seasons. Pollard has proved to be a value able addition to this team who is desperately in need of a veteran presence in the locker room. In 2024, Pollard has a career high 260 carries - showing Tennessee trusted and valued him as a true workhorse RB1. Across his two seasons in Tennessee, Pollard has averaged 4.35 carries, which puts him in the “Good/Solid Starter” category compared against the NFL’s best. With Brian Daboll taking the wheel of the offense in 2026, you could expect a more creative run concepts and more relieving opportunities. Back in Buffalo, Daboll used his RBs to assist young Josh Allen to ease into the game. That most definitely worked. Expect the same in Tennessee for QB Cam Ward. An efficient RB is a Quarterbacks best friend - Tony Pollard has proved to be more than efficient for this Titans offense.

RB 2: Tyjae Spears In 2026, the Titans very likely could approach the run game with a running back by “committee” approach. Spears holds the edge with this one. When healthy, the former Tulane product has proved to one of the more agile threats on this team. In 2025, Spears saw the field 13 games with 72 ruching attempts, 238 rushing yards and an average of 3.9 yards per carry. But the most proactive way Spears contributes to this team is by being a receiving back. In 2025, Spears had 45 receptions, 264 yards receiving and an average of 5.9 per catch. With the expectation that the Titans offense is much improved, Spears will have more space, time, and even play creativity out of the backfield. Spears has a spot on this team in 2026 - largely because of him filling a whole not many on this team can. Spears will be a fascinating one to watch.

RB 3: Nic Singleton The Titans drafted the former Penn State running back in the 5th round back in April. Singleton is often listed as the Titans best “value” pick in the 2026 draft. The former Nittany Lion was a star his first 3 seasons at Penn State but dropped off last season due to injuries. Scouts tabbed Singleton with many star worthy traits including: ball security - never lost a fumble in his college career, elite athletic traits - “6’0” + 220 pounds + outstanding long speed all add up to a potential steal for Tennessee. In 2026 Singleton’s play time is undistinguished. A lot depends on play calls, injuries, and scheming. Regardless, Singleton finds himself home in Tennessee for the next several seasons with the expectation for him to be a strong contributor to this Titans team.

RB 4: Michael Carter Michael Carter rejoins forces with Titans head coach, Robert Saleh in 2026. Both Carter and Saleh were together during their time with the Jets. Carter has not found himself as a steady RB1 or even a RB2 on the teams he has played for. But, he has often found himself stepping up when injuries or trades shake the position group. While in Tennessee, Carter is another possible *moving part* in a room destined to cut 2-3 players. Carter edges out the RB room for the Titans as a backup who has shown to be available when called upon.

PRACTICE SQUAD: Julius Chestnut With the RB room rounded out, Chestnut is the first one out of the room. But because of his long tenure in Tennessee, Chestnut will likely be back in the fold through the practice squad. Since joining the team in 2022 as an undrafted free agent, Chestnut has been a backbone for special teams and even pre-season play in August. But when it comes to taking carries in September, Chestnut won’t be there. However, with the Titans valuing his contributions to Special teams, we may see Chestnut in 2026.

CUT CANDIDATE: Kalel Mullings It’s unfortunate for the 2025 6th round draft pick to be at the low part of the totem pole. The Michigan product has had very little game action and has found his best contributions last year in Tennessee as a core special teams player (he used to play LB at Michigan) and can be a powerful downhill runner. If Mullings can turn a corner and catch some eyes he would need to do that by developing as a runner and being an ace for the special teams. Mullings could eventually find himself at goal to go situations or a change of pace RB, but as for now, Mullings has a tough battle ahead of him. Don’t rule him out…yet.

Like many rosters in the NFL, the Titans have an intriguing training camp coming up. Many of the roster battles are solidified on this Titans roster, but the backends of the roster are what make a team a competitor. Depth is a crown for title chasers, the Titans hope to form that in the next number of weeks. Return here as we navigate the Tight End room in the coming days.