Could Derrick Henry Return this Season?
Derrick Henry was amidst the best season of his career, rushing for 937 yards and 10 touchdowns through eight games, when injury unfortunately struck, sidelining the bruising back for what was reported to be 6-10 weeks.
Henry suffered a Jones fracture in the Titans' week eight contest against Indianapolis, a game in which Tennessee barely escaped with a win, and was quickly designated to the injured reserve.
Since then, news on Henry's return has been quiet, with many fans accepting that their star running back may not return until next season. In a radio appearance in Nashville; however, ESPN's Dianna Russini explained that the timetable for his injury may be shorter than previously expected.
"I think this organization feels like [the timetable for Henry's return] is going to be on the earlier side rather than later," Russini said, giving Titans fans everywhere hope for what has been an injury riddled season.
If Henry is able to return in time for the playoffs, as well as some of the other injured stars for the Titans, Tennessee could quickly return to their spot as one of the AFC's top teams.
Prior to Henry's injury, the Titans were leading the AFC at 6-2 and looking like serious Super Bowl contenders. Since his injury, Tennessee has struggled to find success on offense, but has managed to stay afloat, sitting at 8-4 through 13 weeks.
The return of Henry would breathe new life into an offense that has now gone two straight weeks scoring less than 14 points in back-to-back losses.
Tennessee enters possibly the easiest stretch of their schedule this week, facing off against the Jaguars, and could finish the season very strong with games against the Steelers, 49ers, Dolphins and Texans remaining.
If Henry does indeed return, the Titans quickly become a team no one wants to face off against in the playoffs.