Derrick Henry's return to the Titans would be huge for Tennessee. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

Watch: Titans RB Derrick Henry looks ready to play in contact practice

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 1/18/22

The top-seeded Tennessee Titans are hoping that All-Pro running back Derrick Henry will make his much-anticipated return to the lineup from the foot injury he suffered on Halloween for this Saturday's home playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Earlier in the day, Titans head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters Henry had been cleared for a contact practice and, as a result, would wear pads during Tuesday's session. Jim Wyatt of the club's website shared a video of just a portion of Henry's workout, and the NFL's reigning two-time rushing champion certainly looked ready for meaningful action several days ahead of Saturday's matchup:

.@KingHenry_2 isn’t messing around out here at Tuesday’s @Titans practice. pic.twitter.com/spBr60lBpt
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) January 18, 2022

Of course, the 25-second clip tells only part of the story about Henry's potential availability for the weekend. While Vrabel admitted on Monday that he intends to lean on his rushing attack against Cincinnati, he reminded everybody before Tuesday's practice that there's still no guarantee the 28-year-old ball-carrier will play.

"We’ll have a week to work, see how he feels and make a decision," Vrabel said of Henry at that time.

As Wyatt later wrote, the Titans haven't yet officially activated Henry from injured reserve and understandably are waiting to see how his body reacts to midweek work before announcing his status for Saturday's contest. However, the early signs seem to indicate he won't miss the must-win showdown that will offer the victor a spot in the upcoming AFC Championship Game.

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