With Derrick Henry’s departure, the Tennessee Titans are preparing for their first season without the star running back since he was drafted in 2016. Henry’s dominance meant that the need for depth was minimal, as he led the league in carries in four of the last five years, only missing out in 2021 due to injury. Now, the Titans must reassess their running back depth chart for 2024.
New Leading Duo
The Titans’ running back room will be spearheaded by Tyjae Spears, a third-round pick from last year, and free agent acquisition Tony Pollard. In his rookie season, Spears supported Henry with 100 carries, accumulating 453 rushing yards and two touchdowns, alongside 52 receptions for 385 yards and an additional touchdown. This marked the most significant performance by a secondary running back in Nashville since Dion Lewis partnered with Henry in 2018, succeeding DeMarco Murray.
Pollard arrives in Tennessee after five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, where he spent four years complementing Ezekiel Elliott. Pollard’s career highs include 1,007 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, coupled with 371 receiving yards and three scores. Last season, Pollard led the Cowboys’ backfield, nearly replicating his previous year’s stats with 1,005 rushing yards, six touchdowns, and 311 receiving yards. However, his efficiency dropped, recording career lows in yards per carry and reception.
Having struggled in the lead role last year, Pollard now pairs comfortably with Spears. Their utilization will be intriguing, as Tennessee forms a new rushing strategy without Henry. Another key aspect of training camp will be determining the depth behind Spears and Pollard.
Battle for RB3
Currently, third-year backs Hassan Haskins and Julius Chestnut are vying for the RB3 position. Haskins has logged 25 carries for 93 yards in the NFL, while Chestnut has nine carries for 12 yards. Haskins has more receptions (10) and yards (57) than Chestnut (3-41), though Chestnut appears more dynamic as a receiver. Neither player recorded offensive stats last year, with Haskins dealing with legal and health issues and Chestnut primarily playing special teams.
Joining the competition are undrafted free agents Dillon Johnson and Jabari Small. Both have strong college resumes but lack the experience to make an immediate impact in the roster battle.
Special Teams Considerations
Haskins and Chestnut’s contributions to special teams could be the deciding factor in the RB3 contest. If both excel in training camp, there’s a possibility the Titans might retain four running backs on the 53-man roster, but they are likely competing for a single spot behind Spears and Pollard.
