Derrick Henry, the NFL’s leading rusher, will undergo surgery Tuesday morning on his right leg. Coach Mike Vrabel said that the Tennessee Titans do not have a timetable for Henry’s return.
After a 34-31 win in Indianapolis, Henry underwent tests Monday to determine the extent of his injury.
Vrabel stated that he believes Henry will do all he can to help the Titans. Vrabel stated that doctors will give a timeframe for Henry’s recovery and eventual return, but he won’t necessarily listen.
The Titans still have nine games left this season, including their bye Dec. 2. The AFC South champions have a three-game lead, while the tiebreaker within their division is still in play.
Vrabel stated, “Whenever that’s that’s when it will be.” “I know he will be with our team as soon and as possible. That’s what I know is important to him. This will be important for our team, I’m sure. We have to move on. Unfortunately, he is not here right now so we will have to continue on without him.
Two-time NFL rushing champion went to the bench during Sunday’s game. With 6:03 remaining in the first quarter, he was seen on TV talking to trainers while his shoe was still off. Henry had 28 carries for 68 yards, a 2.4 yard average and was his lowest point this season. He was involved in 54 of the 73 offensive plays.
After the game, the 2020 AP NFL Offensive player of the year did not speak to reporters.
Vrabel stated that he had thought of shutting down Henry on Sunday. He checked with the medical staff, and Henry was okay. Henry is the coach’s second-ever Pro Bowl running back. He believes he has the right to make that decision.
Vrabel stated that there was no indication that he would do anything worse.
Henry is the NFL’s leading rusher with 937 yards and 10 touchdowns. Henry also leads the NFL with a league record 219 rushes. This is well above Joe Mixon, Cincinnati’s next highest rusher (137). Henry broke his career record of 18 receptions and 154 yards. He also threw his first TD pass last week against the Chiefs.
He is the main reason the Titans are currently ranked No. 1 in the AFC. He is the No. 1 seed, having won four consecutively.
Vrabel stated, “If anyone can guess come back, it’d be Derrick,” but he wasn’t going to place any expectations on any kind of timeline.
Since Henry took over as their starting running back, the Titans have heavily relied on Henry. He had also been carrying Tennessee this year. In six games, he ran for 10 touchdowns. Ryan Tannehill had to throw three touchdown passes Sunday against the Colts in order to reach 10.
On Sunday, the Titans host the Los Angeles Rams (7-1), and they now need to find more help running back.
With Darrynton Evans, the Titans’ third-round pick for 2020, being placed back on injured reserve last Friday, the depth chart behind Henry was already thin. Jeremy McNichols, fullback Khari Blasingame, Mekhi Sargent, and Dontrell Hillsard remain on the practice squad.
According to someone with direct knowledge, the Titans had reached a deal Monday to sign Adrian Peterson, 2012 MVP and four time All-Pro, to the practice team. The plan is to promote the 36 year-old back to the active roster. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because Peterson has not been officially signed by the Titans.
When Vrabel was asked if Peterson would be a Titan, Vrabel replied that they had played against Adrian.
