Derrick Henry has long been the engine powering the Titans' offense. Now, the team may have to look to hold off the Colts without him.
Henry exited the game in the fourth quarter of the Titans vs. Colts game in Week 13. It came after the veteran running back was hit by Indianapolis linebacker Zaire Franklin following a run during which he jumped over another Colts defender.
Henry was hit high on the play and hit his head hard while going to the ground. He remained down briefly as medical personnel came to check on him.
#DerrickHenry usually delivers the punishment but this is what can happen when you leave your feet. Out for head check. pic.twitter.com/kRz6jrjkOj
— David J. Chao - ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) December 3, 2023
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Derrick Henry injury update
Eventually, Henry was able to leave the field under his own power. He was taken straight to the blue medical tent because of the injury.
Henry was accompanied into the tent by the independent neurotrauma consultant that the NFL has on hand at every game. That signaled that Henry was being examined for a potential concussion.
The Titans didn't immediately provide an update about Henry's status after his injury. However, he was seen heading to the locker room after his examination in the blue tent and did not return to the game.
Before leaving, Henry had racked up 101 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries. He did not record a catch.
Mike Vrabel didn't provide much of an update about Henry's status after the game; he just said that the Titans "didn't know much other than he wasn't able to return" in a postgame news conference.
But on Monday, ESPN's Adam Schefter announced that Henry had sustained a concussion. That will put his status for Monday night's game against the Dolphins into question.
Titans’ RB Derrick Henry, who left Sunday’s game in the fourth quarter to be checked for a concussion, is in concussion protocol, leaving his status for Monday night’s game at Miami in question.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 4, 2023
Titans RB depth chart
It is expected that the Titans will use rookie Tyjae Spears as their top running back in Henry's stead. Spears had totaled 251 rushing yards and a touchdown on 50 carries entering Sunday's action.
The Titans do not have another running back on their 53-man roster beyond Henry and Spears.
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