2 min read • January 05, 2022
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Derrick Henry turned 28 years old Tuesday, but it could be the Titans getting a gift soon for their playoff run.
It has been 66 days since Henry last played a football game, but that could change as early as the wildcard round.
The two-time Pro Bowler suffered a fifth metatarsal “Jones” fracture in his right foot on Halloween against the Colts, but the Titans have gone 5-3 in his absence.
Tennessee can lock up the No. 1 seed, and a coveted first round bye, with a win Sunday over the Texans.
Dr. David Chao, ProFootballDoc, said Henry could potentially return in the wild card round, but the division round would be a better target for him to play effectively.
Henry returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since suffering the injury.
At 6 foot 3 and about 240 pounds, Henry’s recovery is closer to that of a tight end or a linebacker rather than a running back, Chao said.
Even when Henry is able to retake the field, it will be on limited snaps until his foot fully heals, which may not happen until deep into the playoffs, Chao said.
“Don’t expect King Henry immediately,” Chao said.
The Titans have found success recently running the ball with D’onta Foreman. The fourth-year back has over 100 rushing yards in three of the last five games and will likely have a role despite Henry’s return.
That should help Tennessee ease Henry back into the lineup without risking further damage to his injured right foot.
Foreman has 112 carries for 497 yards in eight games this season. Henry had 219 rushes for 937 yards in his eight games this year, good enough for sixth most in the league.
There is no fair running back comparison to Henry, but Washington running back J.D. McKissic suffered a “Jones” fracture in a preseason practice in August 2018. McKissic was given a projected timeline of 4-6 weeks, but did not return to play until Week 13 in late November.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel, listed as roughly 30 pounds lighter than Henry, suffered a “Jones” fracture in an offseason workout June 2020. He missed training camp and did not play until early October that year, about three-and-a-half months after suffering the injury.
Although not 100%, Henry is capable of creating problems with any run defense as soon as he returns.
His superhuman rushing ability is apparent to everyone, but his injured foot will force him into a limited role to start the playoffs.
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