On Monday morning, it was announced that Derrick Henry suffered an injury to his foot. A Jones fracture, to be exact. He will undergo surgery today and start the road to recovery. There is a chance that he comes back for the playoffs. Mike Vrabel did not rule it out, and I think not only is it possible, but probable. I don’t think Henry is going to let them keep him off the field.
Henry was placed on IR on Monday and Daniel Munyer was activated back from Injured Reserve. Hopefully the Titans are able to bring back Jayon Brown and Kristian Fulton this week as well. We’ll know more on Wednesday.
During his press conference, Vrabel said he doesn’t believe in doctor’s timelines. Not because he’s rushing players back, but rather he wants the players to not feel pressed to be on the assumed doctor timeline.
Finding a way to replace Henry won’t be easy. In fact, it’ll be impossible. Still, there is a path to an effective offense even without the Titans’ workhorse. Ryan Tannehill and A.J. Brown will need to step it up, and Julio and the other pass catchers will as well. The OL is going to have to block for whoever is in at RB, and probably give a little extra because Henry won’t be there manufacturing those yards after contact.
Are the Titans sunk without Henry? Absolutely not. The defense continues to improve on a weekly basis and the passing offense has plenty of untapped potential. That doesn’t mean this isn’t a big blow, it certainly is, as is anytime a team loses their best player. However, the season isn’t over, the Titans will still make the playoffs, and given their easy schedule the remainder of the year, it wouldn’t be a shocker for them to stay in the hunt for the #1 seed.
Maybe you know by this paragraph, but Derrick Henry is out for a while. A generational running back, sidelined. Who do the Titans get to replace him? Well, at least part of the committee will be Adrian Peterson, generational running back. What an embarrassment of riches for the Titans in the history department. I wouldn’t be shocked if they add another running back as well, either by FA or by trade.
