Tony Pollard has been the Tennessee Titans’ RB1 so far this season. With Tyjae Spears out, Pollard was expected to handle even more carries than usual. Unfortunately, Pollard suffered his own injury during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills in Week 7.
Let’s examine Pollard’s injury and the latest update on his status.
What Happened to Tony Pollard?
Pollard took a shot to the head from Bills defensive back Taron Johnson on a short pass from quarterback Mason Rudolph. He remained down on the turf following the hit. Pollard left the field and headed into the blue medical tent to be evaluated for a concussion.
Tony Pollard –
Took a very hard shot to his head/neck.
Likely gets screened for a concussion.
Was down for a while.Only other active RB is Julius Chestnut.
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) October 20, 2024
Fortunately, the medical staff cleared Pollard to return to the game.
Pollard ultimately finished the contest with 16 rushes for 61 yards while also adding two receptions for four yards.
The fact that he was able to return is a great sign, so Titans fans and fantasy managers shouldn’t worry about the veteran running back.
For the brief stretch that Pollard was out of the game, backup running back Julius Chestnut made an immediate impact in the game, as his block gave Rudolph time to find Nick Westbrook-Ikhine in the end zone.
NWI SZN
📺: Watch #TENvsBUF on @NFLonCBS stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/SaR0Vvsuwq
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) October 20, 2024
Keep an eye on the Titans’ practice reports throughout the week just to make sure Pollard isn’t dealing with any lingering effects of this hit.
However, the fact that Pollard returned to the game likely means that Titans fans and fantasy managers have nothing to worry about.
Potential Fantasy Fallout From Pollard’s Injury
Pollard’s exit was initially concerning, as Spears is a candidate for IR (hamstring), so this backfield is already incredibly thin. Fortunately, Pollard was able to return to the game.
The former Dallas Cowboys RB entered Week 7 coming off of his best two performances of the season (39 carries for 181 yards and two scores). That sort of promise has Pollard labeled as the bell cow in Tennessee’s offense, something that is unlikely to change.
If Pollard does miss time for some reason, fantasy managers should stay away from this backfield. Chestnut would be the next man up, but this offense isn’t strong enough to reasonably project anything of value in that regard at this moment.