After a nice game in the Tennessee Titans’ second NFL preseason matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, rookie running back Kalel Mullings picked up where he left off in the Titans’ preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings. However, the former Michigan Wolverine was injured at the start of the second half. What happened?
What Happened to Tennessee Titans Rookie RB Kalel Mullings?
Titans safety Mike Brown stepped on Mullings’ right ankle on the second half’s opening kickoff as kick returner Chimere Dike went out of bounds. While Brown could pop back up quickly, Mullings went down, grabbing his ankle, and stayed down for a few minutes.
However, after being attended to by the trainers, the rookie was able to get back up under his own power and head to the Titans’ sideline, albeit favoring his right foot as he limped off the field.
Kalel Mullings is limping of the field under his own power. Mullings is favoring his right leg.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 23, 2025
Tony Pollard is without a doubt the Titans’ RB1. While the Titans’ running back room is a bit deep right now, opportunities are expected to be available with Tyjae Spears nursing his own ankle injury and out for at least the preseason, if not longer. If Mullings’ injury is severe, it could hurt his chances of making Tennessee’s roster, as he will miss out on opportunities for touches and to show the Titans’ coaches what he can do.
Mullings has put forth a respectable preseason performance, turning 15 carries into 58 yards, including a long of 12 yards. However, his roster mates aren’t making it easy. Jordan Mims, who signed in the offseason, has matched his production with 15 carries and 58 yards of his own.
Meanwhile, Julius Chestnut, who is in his fourth season with Tennessee after joining the franchise as an undrafted free agent, has received half the carries, turning seven touches into 28 yards and two receptions for an additional 15. However, Chestnut is the only one who has found the end zone.
If Mullings can’t return, the door opens wide for Chestnut and Mims to make the most of their touches in his absence in the second half and solidify their position above him on the depth chart. Still, should he not make the Titans’ final roster, he’s clearly shown enough to have another team take a chance on him, or at the very least have a spot waiting for him on the Titans’ practice squad.