Titans RB Derrick Henry seems to offer hint on future

Tennessee Titans RB Derrick Henry Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

Titans RB Derrick Henry seems to offer revealing hint on future

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 12/17/23

Up until Sunday’s 19-16 loss to the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry had never given any prior indication that he could possibly be playing for another team in 2024.

But then the Titans had one of their worst offensive performances not just of this season but of head coach Mike Vrabel’s six-year tenure and suddenly, Henry cast some doubt about whether he would be back in two-tone blue next season.

“Definitely today, we had that feeling – we had hope of kind of slipping in (to the playoffs),” Henry said, via 104.5 The Zone’s Kayla Anderson. “And then being eliminated with just only three games left, I’ve been here my whole career, I definitely want to go out strong, which that isn’t the case. But I’ll just try to get involved in these last three games and leave it all on the field.”

Sunday’s game was arguably Henry's worst since he entered the NFL. He finished with 16 carries for nine yards, marking the first time in his eight-year career that he’s failed to average at least one yard per carry and the second time he’s failed to reach double-digit rushing yards.

Derrick Henry is the first player in NFL history to have at least 20 touches in a game and produce less than 15 yards from scrimmage.
— Ryan McDowell (@RyanMc23) December 17, 2023

Derrick Henry was first contacted at or behind the line of scrimmage on 9 of his 16 rushes. He averaged -0.6 yards per rush BEFORE contact, his 2nd worst in a game with 10+ rushes (-0.9 in 2017 at CLE). @ESPNStatsInfo
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) December 17, 2023

But Henry’s comments likely aren’t simply because of just one bad game.

The Titans have arguably the worst offensive line in the NFL – one that has provided him with little-to-no run-blocking support this year (the Titans ranked 31st in Pro Football Focus’ weekly rankings in Week 14 and were graded 17th by PFF in run-blocking).

Henry’s 4.1 yards per carry this season is the lowest mark of his career. His 67.3 rushing yards per game average is his lowest since 2018, as is his 16.5 rushes per game. Henry has scored 10 touchdowns, but that’s also tied for his lowest total since 2017.

With his 30th birthday just a few weeks away, no one would blame Henry if he chose to sign with a legitimate playoff contender that has a better run-blocking offensive line in 2024.

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