Derrick Henry speaks to media as he inches closer to return

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

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

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 1/19/22

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."

Derrick Henry on his journey back. #Titans pic.twitter.com/t9JOfiF9ml
— Ben Arthur (@benyarthur) January 19, 2022

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.

#Titans OC Todd Downing says Derrick Henry has been progressing and it’s encouraging. pic.twitter.com/iV47TvNCmu
— Jill Jelnick (@JillJelnick) January 19, 2022

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.

Just to be clear, and I know he didn't answer the direct question, but there's zero chance Derrick Henry is made available to media today if he isn't playing Saturday. Zero.
— Joe Rexrode (@joerexrode) January 19, 2022

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

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