Nick Singleton enters the Tennessee Titans’ preseason opener with a real chance to turn a strong summer into a bigger role.
The rookie running back, a former Penn State Nittany Lion and a fifth-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft, already made noise during Tennessee’s joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers. Jim Wyatt reported that Singleton scored a touchdown in that work and added “several other impressive carries.” Cam Ward also praised him, calling him “a great teammate” and “real explosive.”
That kind of early buzz matters now because Singleton is stepping into tonight’s preseason opener with a clean opportunity to keep stacking proof. He has already seen the 49ers defense up close, and he should get more chances to show what he can do once the game settles into the second half.
Preseason is where backup reps can turn into something more, and Singleton appears set to be one of the players Tennessee leans on for extended work. Robert Saleh said the Titans will play their starters for more than one series, which opens the door for Singleton to get plenty of touches behind the top group.
And while the path to the top of the depth chart isn’t empty, it’s not locked down either.
Tony Pollard is the Titans’ current RB1, a proven veteran who topped 1,000 rushing yards and scored five touchdowns last season despite all the franchise’s chaos. Still, he’s in the final year of his contract and will turn 30 soon.
Tyjae Spears is the other obvious name in the mix and has already handled a heavy load in the passing game this offseason. He looks positioned for an expanded role as well.
Singleton, though, has already started to separate himself in the background battle. At Tennessee’s blue and white scrimmage, Julius Chestnut and Michael Carter finished behind him in touches. If that trend holds, his case only gets stronger.
This is also a player with a real college track record. Singleton scored double-digit touchdowns in three of his four seasons at Penn State, which is why Tennessee’s decision to take a shot on him carried some real upside. Now he’s got a chance to show that production can travel.
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