Derrick Henry, starters not playing for Tennessee Titans in preseason finale

The Tennessee Titans decided not to play Derrick Henry, or any of their first-team offense or defense on Thursday night.

Running back Derrick Henry and quarterback Marcus Mariota, along with the rest of the first-team offense and defense, will not play on Thursday night against the Chicago Bears in the preseason finale.

Well, kicker Ryan Succop did take the field, but you get the idea.

Head coach Mike Vrabel didn’t give a definitive answer to if the Titans would play any starters in the preseason finale ahead of Thursday’s tilt.

That question has now been answered, as Logan Woodside started at quarterback and Jeremy McNichols started at running back for the Titans. Mariota and Henry remained on the sidelines for the opening drive, although both were in pads.

While there was some thought that Mariota could play after he was pulled from last week’s game early because his offensive line couldn’t block for him, the Titans decided to go the smart route and not risk him in the final preseason game.

As for Derrick Henry: he won’t see any action this preseason. The Alabama product injured his calf on the first day of training camp and returned to practice last week. His only shot at preseason action would have been last week, but rainy conditions likely forced the Titans to sit him.

Henry has said he expects to be ready for Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns on September 8th, and there’s nothing to suggest he won’t be.

Another notable starter we were watching for in this game was outside linebacker Harold Landry, who failed to play in the team’s first three preseason games. He won’t be taking the field on Thursday.

Landry has been dealing with an injury of his own, but was able to return limited practice this week.

In all, the Titans starters not playing is the wise choice. Sure, some guys could use extra reps, but those reps are not worth risking a player’s health with the season one week away.