Bad news for the rest of the AFC: the Tennessee Titans may be getting more than just homefield advantage for the playoffs.
According to ESPN’s Dianna Russini, the Titans expect to designate running back Derrick Henry to return to practice from the injured reserve on Wednesday.
The designation opens a 21-day window for Henry to be added to the 53-man roster, but playing on Sunday against the Houston Texans is considered a “longshot,” according to Russini.
Henry, who has been out since Nov. 1 with a fractured foot, was jogging on grass in cleats last week but the team may have plenty of time to get him ready for game action.
A win on Sunday would secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC for the Titans, which would buy them an extra week to get Henry back for a Super Bowl run.
Henry was leading the NFL in rushing with 937 yards at the time of his injury, and is still sixth-best in the league entering Week 18.
Many thought the Titans would struggle to overcome his injury but the team has gone 5-3 without him with wins over the Rams, Saints, Jaguars, 49ers and Dolphins.
If the Titans get both the No. 1 seed and Henry back, they would pose as the biggest threat to win the AFC. With Henry this season, the Titans have picked up wins against AFC playoff-bound teams such as the Colts (twice), Bills and Chiefs.
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