The much-anticipated return of Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry is inching ever closer. Of course, Henry is currently rehabbing from a foot injury suffered in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts.
According to ESPN’s Dianna Russini, Henry could be back for the Week 18 game against the Houston Texans, but Tennessee is hoping to secure its spot in the playoffs in order to give him more time. She also notes that Henry was on the practice field and jogging in cleats during the week.
This echoes a previous report by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, who said last month that Henry could be activated and play in Week 18 if the Titans are in a “win-and-in” situation.
Titans running back Derrick Henry was on the practice field this past week jogging in cleats. I was told no decision has been made as to when he will return. He could be ready next week but they are hoping to lock up a playoff spot so they can give him more time.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) January 2, 2022
So, based on these reports, it looks like Henry will only be brought back next week if the Titans haven’t secured a playoff spot ahead of Week 18.
Tennessee can do that with a win in Week 17 against the Miami Dolphins, which would clinch the AFC South. Also, the Titans can simply clinch a playoff berth multiple other ways. Those scenarios are as follows:
TEN tie OR
LAC loss or tie + BAL loss or tie OR
LAC loss or tie + NE loss or tie OR
BAL loss or tie + NE loss or tie
Adding to all that, the Titans still have a shot at the No. 1 seed and can regain the top spot in the AFC entering Week 18 with a win and a Kansas City Chiefs loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Should Tennessee secure a first-round bye, they’d give Henry even more time to recover, as their first playoff game wouldn’t be until Jan. 22 at the earliest, as opposed to Jan. 15.
Whether he gets an opportunity to shake off the rust before the playoffs or not, getting Henry back at all would be a major boost and the final piece the Titans need to make a run at the Super Bowl.
