Titans RB Tyjae Spears among best rookie chain-movers

Tennessee Titans rookie running back Tyjae Spears has been an electric playmaker out of the backfield through the first five games of his career.

The Tulane product’s dynamic skill set provides the perfect complement to the bruising running style of star running back Derrick Henry.

The two of them are capable of being the best running back tandem in the league when they’re both on top of their game and have good blocking in front of them.

Spears has already proven to be a consistent chain-mover whenever the ball is in his hands. The rookie running back has tallied a total of 13 first downs through five games, with nine on the ground and four as a pass-catcher.

That is the most by a Titans rookie through five games since wide receiver Kendall Wright had 14 (all receiving) through five games in 2012.

Spears’ 13 first downs are tied for fifth in the league with Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers and Houston Texans receiver Tank Dell.

Only four rookies have recorded more first downs thus far: Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (31), Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (30), Miami Dolphins running back Devon Achane (20) and Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (14).

#Titans RB Tyjae Spears has 13 first downs through 5 games, tied for 5th-most in the NFL among rookies: pic.twitter.com/lTDkZzcwSE

— John Glennon (@glennonsports) October 12, 2023

However, it’s important to note that Spears is largely doing this in a limited role while the others are already focal points of their team’s respective offenses.

In total, Spears has produced 219 yards from scrimmage (156 rushing, 63 receiving) and one touchdown while averaging over five yards per carry in the process.

As long as the Tulane legend stays healthy, you’d have to imagine his role and subsequently, his production, will only continue to increase over time.