RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesIn the National Football League , the next breakout running back usually begins August carrying the ball behind somebody more famous. Then as time goes on, they do everything right, earn more carries, and eventually break through. Sometimes it even takes an injury before they really get their opportunity. These three running backs are buried for now. That may not last.
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Nick Singleton, Titans
Tennessee Titans running back Nick Singleton (32) goes through stretches on the second day of training camp practice at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Friday, July 30, 2026. Singleton sits behind Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears, which makes immediate volume difficult. The fifth-round rookie possesses the burst Tennessee’s backfield lacks. His vision needs work, but explosive backs do not require 20 touches to force their way into a larger role. Injuries and ineffectiveness in front of him could factor here.
Kaleb Johnson, Steelers
Johnson is fighting for the No. 3 role behind Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle, but his downhill style keeps showing up. One injury or one stretch of ineffective early-down running could move him from developmental back to weekly factor quickly .
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George Holani, Seahawks
Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back George Holani (36) warms up before the 2026 NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images Seattle lost Kenneth Walker III to the Chiefs in free agency, while Zach Charbonnet is rehabbing from a late-season ACL tear. Holani is competing with Emanuel Wilson and rookie Jadarion Price, but he handled meaningful postseason snaps after Charbonnet went down last season, and I think that matters more than his modest regular-season stat line.
Honorable mention: Ollie Gordon II, Dolphins
De’Von Achane owns the starting job, and Jaylen Wright remains in the backup competition. Gordon offers something different: size, patience and the ability to absorb the ugly carries between the tackles. Miami’s rebuilt offense may need that complement more than the current depth chart suggests.
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Wrap up:
None of these players is guaranteed a breakout. I know that, and so do you. Running-back hierarchies change faster than any position in football. A protection mistake can bury a young back. One explosive preseason game can also change the entire rotation.
Johnson, Singleton, Holani and Gordon are not the names casual fans are discussing every morning. They are the names worth remembering when opportunity catches up with talent.
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