It’s bad news for Tyjae Spears, the promising rookie running back for the Tennessee Titans, who will miss the rest of the preseason. He came down with a high ankle sprain in Saturday night’s preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The injury happened right before halftime when Spears made a leaping grab out of the backfield and turned it into a 13-yard gain. He was eventually spotted leaving the locker room on crutches while wearing a walking boot on his right foot.
Coach Brian Callahan officially ruled Spears out Thursday and said the team is not planning on him returning before the end of preseason. “Tyjae is going to be down for a few weeks,” Callahan said. He stressed that the recovery process will require close monitoring. This new injury deepens Spears’ extensive injury history. That type of breakdown isn’t surprising considering he missed five games last season due to two concussions, an ankle sprain, and a hamstring injury.
Even with these challenges, Spears was a dynamic playmaker during his rookie season. He appeared in all 17 games, logging 453 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. He contributed heavily in the passing game as well, catching 52 passes for 385 yards and another score. His versatility proved to be the perfect complement next to veteran Derrick Henry’s talents.
As you might expect, Coach Callahan is already focused on next season. He’s looking to get more diverse and get both Spears and Tony Pollard involved to have a more balanced, efficient rushing attack. With Spears now out, the Titans will have to rethink how they use their RBs. Spears saw just 114 total touches last season, so this injury clouds his role even more as we look ahead.
Spears has dealt with injuries throughout his career which have limited his effectiveness. On top of that, other core members from the team’s roster have been in and out due to their own injuries. The fourth straight absence for Kevin Winston Jr., who the team has listed as maintenance. L’Jarius Sneed is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list since undergoing a knee procedure in May. Additionally, starting center Lloyd Cushenberry has appeared on the PUP list due to an ongoing Achilles injury. Unlike these players, Spears was actively on the PUP list before getting hurt.
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