Report: Derrick Henry potentially out for season
The heart and soul of the Tennessee Titans offense could be out for the rest of the season. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, star running back Derrick Henry suffered an injury that could potentially end his season.
“Titans’ RB Derrick Henry suffered a potentially season-ending foot injury during Sunday’s 34-31 win over Indianapolis, sources reported ESPN,” tweeted Schefter. “Henry is undergoing an MRI today to determine the full extent of the damage.”
During yesterday’s win against the Indianapolis Colts, Henry had his foot checked out in the first quarter. Afterwards, he returned to the game, which makes today’s news even more shocking.
Henry has been the best running back in the league this season — and it hasn’t been particularly close. He’s worked his way into the MVP conversation, rushing for 937 yards and ten touchdowns on the season thus far.
Perhaps no player means more to his team than Henry. Football fans lose the chance to witness a historic season, while Titans fans may be seeing their Super Bowl chances slip through their fingers.
After Henry, Nick Chubb is second in the league in rushing with 584 yards. As you can see, the former Alabama star has been on a legendary tear this season.
The Titans are 6-2 on the season, but an injury to Derrick Henry would be devastating to their long-term goals.
Derrick Henry: Potential Replacements
After Henry, the Titans choices at running back don’t exactly inspire confidence.
First, Jeremy McNichols has spelled Henry as his backup in 2021. However, he has just seven carries for 38 yards on the season. After McNichols, the Titans have Dontrell Hilliard — he’s never had a carry with the Titans.
Looking towards the trade market, there’s no player who can recreate what the Titans have with Henry. However, two running backs who have been talked about that could be moved are Marlon Mack and Melvin Gordon III.
The Titans may be out of luck with Mack, as the Indianapolis Colts likely won’t make a trade with Tennessee. However, Gordon III would be an interesting possibility — the Broncos aren’t likely to have any qualms about sending him to Tennessee.
Finally, it’s possible the Titans turn to free agency to replace Henry. Among the possibilities, Todd Gurley, Adrian Peterson and Lamar Miller are interesting names to watch. Moreover, former Alabama running backs T.J. Yeldon and Bo Scarbrough are both available as well.
There isn’t a player in the NFL that can replace Derrick Henry. However, the Titans have to try like heck to do so — or their season will be for naught.