The Tennessee Titans encountered significant offensive challenges throughout the 2024 NFL season under first-year head coach Brian Callahan. Quarterback Will Levis, in his second professional campaign, struggled with consistency and turnovers. His 12 interceptions and 10 fumbles contributed heavily to Tennessee finishing as one of the league’s bottom-five teams in scoring offense. The passing game frequently stalled, limiting the Titans’ ability to generate momentum or sustain drives.
Despite their offensive woes, Tennessee’s ground game proved to be a relative bright spot. Though not elite, the rushing attack remained competitive, ranking in the middle of the league in most major statistical categories. This was a notable accomplishment given that the Titans often played from behind, which typically reduces rushing opportunities and forces teams to abandon the run in favor of a more aggressive passing approach.
Running back Tony Pollard led the way on the ground with a solid 1,079 rushing yards, while second-year back Tyjae Spears added 312 yards during an injury-hampered campaign. Julius Chestnut also contributed at times when called upon, offering depth and reliability. To further bolster their backfield, the Titans selected Kalel Mullings, a powerful runner from Michigan, in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Mullings’ addition signaled Tennessee’s ongoing commitment to establishing a deeper and more productive running back rotation.
Initially, it appeared the Titans would enter the 2025 season with a running back corps made up of Pollard, Spears, Chestnut, and Mullings. However, the team also brought in Micah Bernard, an undrafted free agent out of Utah. Bernard had an impressive collegiate career, amassing 2,217 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground, along with 770 receiving yards and five touchdowns through the air. His versatility as a dual-threat back suggested he could compete for a role as a third-down specialist, potentially challenging Spears for playing time in passing situations.
Yet Bernard’s time with the Titans proved to be short-lived. On Monday, the team announced the signing of former Philadelphia Eagles running back Ty Davis-Price to a two-year contract. A former third-round draft pick in 2022, Davis-Price brings a more physical style and higher draft pedigree. In order to make room on the roster, the Titans waived Bernard just a few practices into the offseason program, according to NFL insider Aaron Wilson.
Now, Davis-Price will compete for a spot in a crowded Titans backfield, while Bernard must seek another opportunity to showcase his skills elsewhere in the league.
