Titans vs. Texans: Reasons for optimism and concern for Tennessee

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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 22: Running back Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans on the sidelines out of uniform prior to the start of the game against the New Orleans Saints in the game at Nissan Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Optimism: The health of Derrick Henry

Without much to play for in Week 16, the Titans opted to rest Derrick Henry and his ailing hamstring. Head coach Mike Vrabel is hoping that this will help the star running back get back to full strength for the all-important Week 17 matchup.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Henry did not suffer any setbacks and he is expected to be “as healthy as he’s been in a long time.”

From The Aftermath: The #Titans did something very smart, resting RB Derrick Henry (hamstring) for a game that didn't mean anything and on Sunday, he'll be as healthy as he's been in a long time. pic.twitter.com/pP6JBuODhw
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 23, 2019

It was abundantly clear in the games against the Oakland Raiders and Texans that Henry was not 100 percent. He just didn’t have the same burst or power in his runs. Even with his injury, Henry totaled 189 yards and two scores in those contests.

Before his injury, Henry was the hottest running back in the NFL and had a dominant stretch that saw him total 496 rushing yards and five touchdowns from Week 10 to 13.

Not only will the Titans need Henry’s production, they will also benefit from just the threat of him running the football through the use of a play-action game that currently ranks No. 1 in the NFL in yards per play (10.8) this season.

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