Vrabel, Titans Taking Run-Heavy Approach Against Bengals

When he makes his likely return to the field this weekend, don't expect Titans running back Derrick Henry to dip a toe in the water or wade around in the shallow end. A cannonball off the high dive or even a shove from head coach Mike Vrabel appears the more likely scenario.

Henry, who hasn't played in a game since October 31st because of a foot injury, appears headed back to the field just in time for Tennessee's playoff game against Cincinnati. King Henry's potential return has Vrabel hinting, in a not so subtle way, that he'll be welcomed back with a hefty workload.

“We’re going to need to run the football,” Vrabel said, per Emily Proud of WKRN. “We’re going to need to do that to be who we are and be at our best and not be one-dimensional.”

Activating Henry ahead of Saturday's game with Cincinnati would clearly go a long way in keeping Tennessee from being one-dimensional. After a lengthy stint on IR, he returned to practice January 5th and on Tuesday, for the first time since his October injury, he was slated for contact.

"I think that's a good step. We'll have to have some contact. It's been a while," Vrabel said of Henry ahead of Tuesday's practice.

Vrabel was then asked how Henry's foot has responded since being back on the practice field. His response? "Well. Fine."

OK, then.

Henry had 937 yards and 10 touchdowns in just eight games before his foot injury.

Coach Vrabel's not the only Titan who realizes the importance of having a healthy Henry back in the lineup. “I’m excited to have our guys back,” quarterback Ryan Tannehill said Tuesday. “It’s a little bit different when you have guys back and guys that you’ve played with a lot, so it’s definitely a positive thing."

Whether he's fully ready or not, it appears the Titans' playoff success will sink or swim based on Henry's availability.

 

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