The Tennessee Titans bought Derrick Henry more time by landing the top overall spot in the AFC postseason.
That allowed the star running back to return to practice this week and all signs have pointed toward him playing Saturday against the Cincinnati Bengals.
But there was still one hurdle to cross.
That was officially activating Henry from injured reserve.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport explained that should take place Friday.
From @GMFB: #Titans RB Derrick Henry should be activated off IR today. pic.twitter.com/E0uxda9kGf
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 21, 2022
Rapoport says it is “all but officially official” and Henry will provide a huge boost to the Titans offense.
Sticking With The Plan
The Titans were in a good spot even without Henry.
He missed the second half of the season and the team still managed to claim the top spot in the AFC.
Dontrell Hilliard and D’Onta Foreman filled in nicely at running back and the defense stepped up by allowing 20.4 points per game.
The Titans without Henry do not jump off the page in terms of star power.
Yet they went 12-5 and enter the postseason on a three-game winning streak.
So something was going right for the team even if Ryan Tannehill was not playing at an elite level.
Derrick Henry looks ready to go 👀
🎥: @TDavenport_NFL pic.twitter.com/uWdDEa29Fr
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) January 19, 2022
He finished the regular season with 21 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
The return of Henry totally changes the way the Titans operate as an offense.
He played in eight games and ranked ninth in the NFL in rushing yards and 10th in attempts.
The offense runs through him and on a healthy day he could easily get 30 or more carries.
And while such a total may seem shocking coming off an injury, the Titans won’t hold him back if he appears to be back at full strength.
Mike Vrabel is trying to win a Super Bowl and his best chance to do so is with Henry carrying the load.
NEXT: Titans Provide An Update On Derrick Henry's Playoff Status