TyjaeSpears

News: 4 hours agoSpears rushed the ball 16 times for 75 yards in Sunday's 31-28 overtime loss to the Colts. He added four receptions on six targets for 13 yards.

Spin: Spears played his typical complimentary role for much of the contest, as 13 of his 20 touches came after Derrick Henry (head) was forced to exit. He made a positive impact on the game, as he picked up 20 yards on the Titans' game-tying drive late in the fourth quarter and also accounted for 27 yards on the team's overtime drive that led to a field goal. Spears has been efficient when given opportunity this season, and he could be in line for the lead-back role in Tennessee's Week 14 matchup against Miami if Henry is unable to suit up.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Spears was selected in the third round of April's draft. In terms of collegiate elusiveness and post-contact production, the Tulane product has the best statistical profile in this year's rookie RB class. His career 4.10 YAC and 3.2 forced missed tackle rate both rank second, with the latter trailing only Bijan Robinson. Spears is on the small side, but he was clearly very efficient as Tulane's lead rusher, which included 1,837 yards and 21 TDs on 251 touches in 2022 alone. He caught only 48 balls in 33 games, but his efficiency (8.5 YPT, 11.6 RAC) was excellent. Spears has some medical concerns (two ACL surgeries), but if he holds up he could eventually help replace 29-year-old Derrick Henry. In the meantime, he's no more than Henry's backup and a deep-league insurance hold.