Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Titans RB Derrick Henry speaks to the media as he inches closer to return

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry addressed the media for the first time in a long while on Wednesday as he works to return to the gridiron in time for his team's divisional playoff matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals this weekend.

"You definitely appreciate this game a lot more when you're away from it," Henry said. "Just happy to be back -- appreciative of everybody that helped me get to come back and contribute during the playoffs. Just happy to be back playing football."

Henry, who began participating in padded practice for the first time on Tuesday, was placed on injured reserve on November 1st after he fractured his foot in a victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8. He was designated to return to practice on January 5.

While Tennessee's coaching staff has yet to make a final decision as to whether Henry will start on Saturday against Cincinnati, they have also expressed how happy they are with his progress.

ESPN reported the team is expected to make a final decision about Henry on Friday, although other media outlets believe the RB's media scrum was a good enough indicator that he will play.

Henry finished the regular season with 219 carries for 937 yards with 10 touchdowns. 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Mavericks advance to Western Conference Finals aided by controversial call late
Connor McDavid, Oilers hammer Canucks to force Game 7
Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk epic increases excitement for potential rematch
Seize the Grey wins in muddy Preakness
Even Mike Budenholzer admits the Suns need a point guard
Watch: Juan Soto's first multi-homer game as a Yankee
Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa lead at PGA Championship
Knicks could get major boost for Game 7 showdown with Pacers
Giants All-Star pitcher suffers setback in recovery from injury
Panthers star named winner of 2024 Selke Trophy
WNBA to investigate $100,000 sponsorship deals for Aces players
Tiger Woods blames one big factor for missing the cut at PGA Championship
'Ain't good enough': Draymond Green claims Celtics must 'win it all' or it's a 'failure'
Blue Jays GM wants struggling club to feel 'massive sense of urgency'
Raptors expected to flip former NBA champion during the offseason
MLB insider reveals Mets' massive extension offer that Pete Alonso turned down
Celtics legend provides update after gruesome finger injury
Bulls hire former NBA head coach as top assistant
Chiefs move on from young running back
20-year MLB veteran working out, unsure about playing future