Derrick “the dog” Henry is back, but is it too soon?

Tennessee Titan’s 9th wonder of a running back Derrick Henry is expected to be activated from IR. Henry is coming off a broken foot (metatarsal) that knocked him out of the game since week 8. The bruising back racked up 937 yards, 10 touchdowns and 134 yards receiving in only 8 games. With Henry coming back for the Titan’s game against the resurgent Bengals’ franchise, some are asking, “Is it a bit too soon?”

No and Yes.

No. Henry has had enough time to get the surgeries needed and rest up for the best of 3 months. This time should have allowed Henry to slowly rehab and get into a rotation in practices not withstanding the training and rehabbing on his own.

The Titans also have RB D’Onta Foreman who racked up 497 yards rushing, 3 touchdowns and 108 yards receiving since Henry’s injury (regular season). Henry can slowly get into the rotation while Foreman takes the lion share of reps.

Yes. The Bengals are making strides but aren’t there yet. Yes, that have Joe Burrow and Ja’ Marr Chase but they don’t have playoff experience. Now, I’m not say that the Bengals aren’t a threat, but experience and the talent level of the Tennessee Titans should be enough to topple them even with a returning Henry.

Henry should focus on what percent of healthiness he’s going to be content with. Henry stands 6’3 and 247 pounds with the ability to run up to 22 mph straight line speed. This would be a lot of wear on a freshly healed foot. As some of us old heads can remember, former Titans’ running back Eddie George suffered from a foot injury that was so severe that he was sent to the emergency room. Keep in mind Eddie was 6’3 235 pounds.

In sum, it comes down to a game-time decision. If the Bengals somehow start kicking the Titans’ ass, then the Titans should put out their “Ace in the hole.” Henry could take a snap or two. You could flex him out with Foreman; you could even use Henry as a decoy. Yes, the mere presence of Henry in the back field would force defensive coordinators to stack the box. You’d have to play honest.

So, what do you think? Should Henry play? or should he take this one out?