Do the Titans have to keep RB Julius Chestnut?

The Tennessee Titans will have a joint practice with the Chicago Bears on Thursday. They'll then play the preseason finale versus those same Bears on Saturday. Approximately 24 hours later, general manager Mike Borgonzi will be tasked with finalizing his initial 53-man roster.

Among Borgonzi's bigger decisions is at running back. The Titans are expected to roster four ball carriers. Tony Pollard , Tyjae Spears , and rookie Nicholas Singleton are locks.

Kalel Mullings , Julius Chestnut , and Michael Carter are competing for that fourth and presumed final spot at running back. Mullings has the benefit of being a sophomore draft pick who also plays special teams. He hasn't been healthy though, and Chestnut is beginning to capture momentum.

Chestnut leads all Titans running backs in rushing through two preseason games, and it's not particularly close. The former Sacred Heart standout has gained 95 yards via 13 attempts. He's averaging an impressive 7.31 yards per game, and ripped off a big 34-yard gain.

Chestnut has also added three receptions for 24 receiving yards to his offensive totals. He's consistently a preseason stud for the Titans. Nothing has changed this year, with Chestnut totally dominating the preseason again.

Chestnut is also an experienced special teams player. Some believe Mullings, a former college linebacker, has the edge on special teams. He may possess more upside on special teams, but coordinator John "Bones" Fassel trusts Chestnut, too.

Pollard and Spears will be the Titans' bellcows once regular-season football arrives. Chestnut could add depth and experience, though. He's a potential short-yardage back, and if the oft-injured Spears were to miss time, you'd like to think Chestnut is more trustworthy than the rookie Singleton, who is struggling in pass protection.

Chestnut is once again dominating the NFL preseason. The Titans have big-time roster decisions coming, with Carter, Mullings, and D'Ernest Johnson contending for Chestnut's roster spot.