Tennessee Titans Declare Running Back Out for Week 15

With three losses in three weeks, the Tennesse Titans' season appears to be spiralling out of control. Now, they'll have to straighten themselves out without one of their top backs. Head coach Mike Vrabel shared at his Monday press conference that running back Dontrell Hilliard is expected to miss Week 15 due to a neck injury sustained in the team's 36-22 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

#Titans HC Mike Vrabel: Dontrell Hilliard won't be available to play this week
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) December 12, 2022

Hilliard failed to register a carry on Sunday, but he returned two punts and one kick while playing 15 total snaps between offense and special teams. He ranks second in rushing yards on the team behind perennial Pro Bowler Derrick Henry.

Hilliard's absence will likely increase the burden on Henry this week against the Los Angeles Chargers. That's good news for fantasy players, but could be to the running back's detriment. Henry already leads the league with his 275 carries and is on pace for his third 300+ carry season in four years. The Titans are coming dangerously close to overworking their star back; he has averaged less than 3.20 yards per carry in four of his last five games.

Hilliard has been a solid change of pace back for the Titans since 2021. He has totalled 495 rushing yards at an impressive 6.3 yards per attempt over 20 appearances for the team while adding 264 yards and four touchdowns through the air.