While they still have seeding to play for, the Tennessee Titans have declined to activate injured all world running back Derrick Henry for their finale against the lowly Texans. The Titans designated Henry for return on Tuesday, and though he’s practiced with the team each of the last 3 days, the team is taking a cautious approach with the Alabama alum.
The team now has a 21 day window in order for Henry to be added to their 53 man roster. The Titans (11-5) currently have the AFC’s #1 seed, and would therefore earn a first round bye if the postseason were to begin today. The Kansas City Chiefs however are hot on their heels at 11-5, and could overtake the Titans should they stumble in their season ending game in Houston.
Houston is wrapping up a dismal season in which they’ve posted a 4-12 record, however they’ve won 2 of their last 3 contests including a 41-29 stunner over the Chargers on Dec 26th. Tennessee meanwhile has gone 5-3 since Henry went down with a foot injury, and has used a running back by committee approach to manage their backfield in his absence.
D’Onta Foreman currently leads the way with 497 rushing yards over the last 8 weeks. In an unrelated move, the Titans released RB – Jeremy McNichols and promoted former Colts running back Jordan Wilkins from their practice squad. Tennessee’s hope is that they can squeak by the Texans without Henry’s services, earn the 1st round bye, and activate him for the 2nd round of the playoffs.
Henry, whose initial time frame to return was 6-8 weeks, would then be as close to fully recovered as he’s going to be this season and will be a massive boost to the Titans offense for a playoff run. Despite missing 8 games thus far, Henry remains the NFL’s 6th leading rusher and 6th in rushing TD’s on the season.
The Titans are in control of their own destiny and can clinch the AFC’s top seed with a win over the Texans on Sunday.