Titans: Tyjae Spears shows the moves to quiet some of his biggest doubters
Tyjae Spears has the potential to be the biggest X-factor of any rookie on the Titans. The former Tulane RB was drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Spears was fifth in the nation with 1,581 rushing yards in 2022, averaging a whopping 6.9 yards per attempt. However, a report came out […]
Tyjae Spears has the potential to be the biggest X-factor of any rookie on the Titans.
The former Tulane RB was drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Spears was fifth in the nation with 1,581 rushing yards in 2022, averaging a whopping 6.9 yards per attempt.
However, a report came out shortly after the draft that had many worried about Spears' future. The back reportedly has no ACL in one knee, leaving many to doubt the impact Spears can have.
If early returns from training camp are any indication, these concerns may have been overblown.
In one video captured by AtoZ Sports Nashville, we can see Spears has no issue cutting and accelerating.
The back received the toss, then quickly reversed directions and juked rookie defensive back Eric Garror. As many know, cutting and accelerating are two of the hardest moves to make when dealing with an ACL injury.
Spears did not seem to be held back in college. In 2022, Spears handled 229 carries and played in 14 games for the Green Wave. The back also contributed 22 catches for 256 yards and two touchdowns.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport openly wondered if Spears would be a "one-contract guy," in the NFL due to his knee issues. While it's early, Spears' training camp performance has not given any indication that the RB is limited.
It will be interesting to see if Spears can hold up for a full NFL season. The rookie may be helped by being behind Derrick Henry, who will undoubtedly get the bulk of the carries again in 2023.
If healthy, Spears will provide the Titans' offense with an element it has been sorely lacking. Spears is shifty and dynamic, and also provides a receiving threat out of the backfield.
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