NASHVILLE, Tenn. −The Titans traded for a workhorse running back in DeMarco Murray.
But that doesn't mean he's going to be a one-man show out of the team's backfield.
"It is going to be a shared position there, and guys need to take some of the workload and carve out their own role as well,'' general manager Jon Robinson said of the team's other running backs. "All of those guys have to be productive when we put them on the field. I would say all of those guys – they have to come in and compete."
Titans coach Mike Mularkey has made it clear he wants Murray to lead the way. The former Eagles and Cowboys back has proven more than capable – he racked up 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns with the Cowboys during the 2014 season.
"We are going to run him,'' Mularkey said of Murray.
But the Titans currently have five other running backs on the roster right now – Antonio Andrews, David Cobb, Dexter McCluster, Bishop Sankey and David Fluellen.
Andrews led the team in rushing in 2015 with 520 yards. McCluster (247), Sankey (193) and Cobb (146) ranked behind Andrews, who had a team-high 143 carries.
Mularkey believes the Titans have capable backs in the roster.
The team's offseason program starts on Monday, and that's when the players are scheduled to report.
"I think we have that guy on our roster right now,'' Mularkey said of the No.2 back. "They are all young backs, it's a very young group. They just need some time. I think DeMarco will be good for those guys, in that locker room, meeting room. Another year under their belt should help.
"But no one ever jumped out (last year) and said, 'I'm the guy,' and that is why the rotation occurred like it did. They all have something special about them, but no one jumped out and said, 'I should be the guy every single down.'
Robinson said it remains to be seen how much of a workload Murray gets in 2016.
"I would say it is going to be game specific,'' Robinson said. "I mean every game and every defense we are going to face is going to be different. So it will be on the coaches to determine how many carries he's going to need for us to win the ball game. If it's 40 it's 40. If it's 15, it's 15. And he has that type of personality, too – whatever it takes for the team to win."
