Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans. (Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports)
The Tennessee Titans may have to make a trade with the news of Derrick Henry being out indefinitely with a broken foot.
Though the Tennessee Titans are the class of the AFC South once again, they are really up against it with their best player being out indefinitely with a Jones fracture in his foot: Running back Derrick Henry.
Tennessee had to grind out a tough division game vs. the Indianapolis Colts in overtime on Sunday. Though the Titans came out victorious, and got the most crucial season sweep of Indianapolis, it came at a price. Without their best player going forward, Tennessee is not a threat to come out of the AFC this year. However, this team is still talented and is in a great spot to win the AFC South.
With the NFL trade deadline rapidly approaching, ESPN’s Adam Schefter laid out a few running backs Tennessee could target to replace Henry in the interim. Let’s assess the overall viability of the Titans being able to make a trade for any of these tailbacks.
Titans running back: Who can Tennessee trade for to offset Derrick Henry injury?
7
Melvin Gordon
RB Denver Broncos
Melvin Gordon could be had off a Denver Broncos team that is going nowhere
Though the Denver Broncos got back into the win column on Sunday, that victory came against the awful Washington Football Team. Denver is 4-4, but the Broncos are not a real threat to make the AFC playoffs. While trading for former first-round running back Melvin Gordon could be a savvy pickup for the Titans, even Schefter reported that he is unlikely to be heading to Nashville.
6
Ronald Jones
RB Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Would the Tampa Bay Buccaneers really be making Ronald Jones available?
Though Leonard Fournette has emerged as the featured back on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they still have a very capable runner backing him up in Ronald Jones. While he could be expendable, Tampa Bay has serious Super Bowl aspirations once again. Therefore, it is highly unlikely they will be dealing a running back they know can help them win meaningful ballgames down the stretch.
5
Ty’Son Williams
RB Baltimore Ravens
Ty’Son Williams has gotten run out of necessity with the Baltimore Ravens
While Latavius Murray has gotten the bulk of the touches out of the Baltimore Ravens backfield, Ty’Son Williams has the second-most carries of any running back in the Charm City this year. With veterans Le’Veon Bell and Devonta Freeman also on the team, that could mean the 25-year-old out of Boston College could be dealt over to the Titans in a desperation trade for Tennessee.
These three teams could make a deal with Tennessee, but four others teams make more sense.