Tennessee Titans running backs Tyjae Spears and Julius Chestnut have done a good job this offseason of positioning themselves to have a role on the football team this upcoming season.
In fact, you could honestly make a strong argument that Tennessee’s two young running backs have been the two best players — regardless of position — throughout the preseason.
Spears and Chestnut have combined for 233 rushing yards and two touchdowns, each averaging well over six yards per carry (Chestnut 7.2 yards per carry, Spears 6.8 yards per carry).
The leader in the running backs room, Derrick Henry, has certainly taken notice of the work the two of them have been putting in.
When asked about Spears’ incredible 33-yard touchdown run against the Minnesota Vikings, a play that saw him hurdle a defender, The King admitted that’s something not even he can do.
“I thought he did a great job,” Henry said after practice on Tuesday, per Easton Freeze of Broadway Sports. “I know I can’t do nothing like that, but it’s great to have a change up and have a back that can be explosive. I know when he hit the ground, he took off, so that was great to see. [I’m] happy that he was able to find the end zone and I think he played great on Saturday.”
ABSOLUTELY SICK FROM TYJAE SPEARSpic.twitter.com/b6xiWPE5SP
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) August 20, 2023
Henry also discussed the impact and growth that Chestnut has displayed as of late.
“I mean, he practices how he plays,” said Henry, per Kayla Anderson of 104.5 The Zone. “He’s full go all the time, always running to the ball, always hustling, always showing up on film, and I think it showed last Saturday against Minnesota. I’m happy for him because he works hard and I told him eventually it’s going to happen for him (a big performance) and I’m glad It did last Saturday.”
.@JuliusChestnut is looking dangerous against any defense 👀 pic.twitter.com/LKnh7tQ27L
— NFL (@NFL) August 20, 2023
Both Spears and Chestnut will have the chance to cap off an impressive preseason and solidify their spots on the team with another strong performance against the New England Patriots on Friday.