Titans Lose Starting RB For Jaguars Game

The Tennessee Titans will be without their leading rusher for their penultimate game of the season.

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (20) walks off the field after the game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. | Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Tennesseee Titans have ruled out starting running back Tony Pollard for Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports.

The #Titans downgraded RB Tony Pollard to out for Sunday vs. Jacksonville.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 28, 2024

Pollard was listed as questionable on the team's final injury report due to an ankle injury, but according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, he planned to play through it. Rather, his absence stems from him dealing with the flu, which will reportedly prevent him from travelling with the team on Saturday.

#Titans RB Tony Pollard has the flu, jeopardizing his status for Sunday at Jacksonville, per source. He is not expected to travel with the team today. He was on the injury report with an ankle issue but had planned to play through that.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) December 28, 2024

After arriving from the Dallas Cowboys in free agency, Pollard has enjoyed a solid first season in the Music City. In 15 games, the 27-year-old has rushed for 1,017 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 4.3 yards per carry. He's also been a decent check-down option with 41 receptions for 238 yards.

With Pollard sidelined, the Titans will look for second-year back Tyjae Spears to carry the load in the backfield. The former Tulane star has had a disappointing sophomore season, rushing for 217 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 3.4 yards per carry, so the Titans will hope to get him going before the season ends.

Joshua Kelley, who hasn't played for Tennessee since his arrival in late October, could also get some looks as well.

The Titans and Jaguars kick off from EverBank Stadium at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.

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