Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Titans All-Pro RB Derrick Henry designated to return from IR

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 1/5/22

The Tennessee Titans may be getting back their "King" just in time for what they hope will be a deep playoff run.

Titans officially designated RB Derrick Henry to return off IR today.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 5, 2022

While the move doesn't guarantee that Henry will be back tearing up defenses in January, the news means that Tennessee has now opened up a 21-day practice window to activate the reigning Offensive Player of the Year.

It is 9 weeks from surgery for an injury that had an estimated recovery time of 6-10 weeks. If Tennessee has the bye, it’ll be 11 weeks. More than enough time for one of the NFL’s best backs to return at full strength. https://t.co/nnvnu0USzs
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 5, 2022

Henry hasn't played since Week 8, when he suffered a Jones fracture in his foot and was later placed on injured reserve. At the time of the injury, Henry was pacing the NFL in rushing attempts (219), rushing yards (937) and rushing touchdowns (10).

In five contests from Weeks 2 through 6, Henry combined for 145 carries for 725 yards and all 10 of his scores on the ground. The former second-round pick out of Alabama has led the NFL in rushing attempts, rushing yards, rushing touchdowns and rushing yards per game in each of the last two seasons, while pacing the league in touches (397) and yards from scrimmage (2,141) in 2020 as well.

The Titans have clinched the AFC South division and will secure the No. 1 seed, a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win in Week 18. Tennessee (11-5) will travel to face the Houston Texans (4-12) at 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday.

More must-reads: