Fantasy Football Playoffs Start ‘Em & Sit ‘Em Running Backs: Add Tyjae Spears if Tony Pollard is sidelined

Tony Pollard (ankle) didn’t practice Wednesday, and we’ll continue to monitor his status heading into Week 16 at Indianapolis. We expect Pollard to play, but he’s clearly not 100 percent.

Pollard was limited by the ankle injury in Week 15 against Cincinnati. He finished the game with 17 carries for 45 yards and a touchdown, but he didn’t have a target.

Tyjae Spears dominated playing time in the fourth quarter against the Bengals, which was likely due to the Titans trailing 31-14 after the third quarter, and Spears finished the game with four carries for 5 yards and a touchdown and six catches for 87 yards and a touchdown on seven targets. Spears is rostered in 52 percent of leagues on CBS Sports, so you might want to add him where available in case Pollard surprises us and doesn’t play against the Colts.

Pollard scored 17.8 PPR points against Indianapolis in Week 6, and the Colts are No. 6 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Six running backs have scored at least 12.2 PPR points against Indianapolis in the past five games, so hopefully, Pollard is healthy for this matchup.

And Tennessee should have improved quarterback play in this game with Mason Rudolph taking over for Will Levis, who was benched. We just have to hope Pollard is close to 100 percent with his ankle.

I plan to start Pollard as a No. 2 running back in all leagues if he plays. Hopefully, he’ll get in a full practice by Friday, and we can start him with confidence. And if he’s out then Spears becomes a great replacement option, so make sure to add him where available if he’s still on waivers.