3 Expected Titans Backups That Could Steal Starting Roles: Tyjae Spears Leads the Pack
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3 Expected Titans Backups That Could Steal Starting Roles: Tyjae Spears Leads the Pack
Aug 13, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (2) rushes the ball while pursued by San Francisco 49ers safety Ashtyn Davis (29) in the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Lane Mills·Tennessee Titans On SI
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4 min read
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Gone are53-man roster debates,now replaced byWeek 1 projectionsand discussions about where exactly players who made the cut will fall. For theTennessee Titans, most of the conversation's weight falls on the former topic, but the starting squad isn't as cut and dry as it may seem.
In most every position group, you could cast a relatively safe bet as to who will end up leading off against theJetstwo Sundays from now. But as Robert Saleh's first year goes on, multiple Titans are in position to push for a starting role.
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Three expected backups specifically come to mind as players a convincing stretch away from an on-field promotion.
Tyjae Spears has to be at the front of this pack.Tony Pollardis comfortably in the starting spot for the time being, but entering the final year of his contract, the 29-year old running back is likely to be slowly pushed out when it's all said and done.
Spears has quietly waited his turn for three seasons now, showing relative consistency between injuries on his way to a clear RB2 claim. Spears makes up for any struggles on the ground with a versatility in the receiving game that Pollard already can't match.
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With the notoriously aggressive Brian Daboll taking over the offense and younger, rising pieces inCam Ward, Wan'Dale Robinson and Carnell Tate playing serious roles, it's only a matter of time before Spears gets a real shot to join that group in a primary seat.
Aug 13, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; Tennessee Titans linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (53) walks off the field at halftime against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Now, under a different staff and with a budding potential star directly under him, the 29-year old Barton is at clear risk of being taken over. A few more interceptions from Hill could seal the deal early on.
Finally, we come to sophomore wide receiver Elic Ayomanor. Ayomanor is anticipated to slot in behindCalvin Ridleyas Tennessee's sixth-man behind the offense's starting trio of pass-catchers.
Aug 23, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (5) during warmup period against the Seattle Seahawks at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
However, he's got an extremely strong case for a starting role sooner rather than later. Having already outpaced Ridley in the offense as a rookie (Ridley was injured, to be fair), Ayomanor has a year of invaluable experience with Ward under his belt.
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He'll be heavily involved in the system from the beginning, but with the aforementioned Robinson and Tate leading the way, the 31-year old Ridley appears to be the odd man out in an otherwise developing unit.
Ayomanor would be his undoubted replacement if and when the need arises.
