Running back Derrick Henry, now a key piece of the Baltimore Ravens’ offense, is set to meet his former team, the Tennessee Titans, for the first time as an opponent. Henry told reporters Wednesday that the Titans “didn’t offer nothing at all” when he entered free agency, adding that while he appreciates the fans, the organization made little attempt to keep him.
Why Henry left Tennessee
Henry, who turned 30 in January 2024, finished the 2023 season with the Titans posting a 6-11 record. He rushed for 1,167 yards that year, but his average slipped to a career‑low 4.17 yards per carry. “I knew the writing was on the wall throughout that season, and they were ready to move on,” Henry said. “Good things don’t last forever, so it was time for me to find a new home.”
After his contract expired, Henry entered free agency and chose Baltimore, citing the opportunity to play alongside quarterback Lamar Jackson. “Lamar was a big reason why I came here,” Henry explained. “It kind of takes the pressure off of the running back just because of who he is.”
Ravens success with Henry
Since joining the Ravens, Henry has posted impressive numbers. He recorded 1,921 rushing yards in 2024 with a 5.91 yards‑per‑carry average, and added 1,595 yards in 2025, averaging 5.2 yards per carry last season. Those figures rank among the best in the league and underscore the impact of his move.
Coach Robert Saleh, who now leads the Titans, praised Henry’s continued production. “He’s an animal still running like he’s 25 years old,” Saleh said. “He’s a tremendous challenge and anytime you’re trying to replace a Hall of Famer, it’s not easy.”
Upcoming matchup
The Ravens will host the Titans on Sunday, marking the first meeting between the two clubs since Henry’s departure. Baltimore comes off a dramatic last‑second win over the Dallas Cowboys in Brazil, a game in which Henry struggled in short‑yardage situations due to an injury‑plagued offensive line.
Henry acknowledged the personal stakes of the game. “Got to have them. I’ve got to be better. Can’t stop thinking about them,” he said. “I’m my worst critic, so I got to be better. I ain’t looking at nobody else, nobody to blame, the play call — if it’s called to give me the ball, I got to get a yard or get in the end zone, it’s got to happen.”
Ravens roster challenges
Despite the optimism, Baltimore faces line injuries that could affect Henry’s performance. Tackle Ronnie Stanley missed the previous game with a toe injury and returned to practice with limited participation. The team’s top three centers remain sidelined, prompting coaches to consider rookie guard Vega Ioane as a short‑term solution. Additional depth was added with the practice‑squad signings of guard Kyle Hergel and center Andre James, as well as safety K’Von Wallace to the active roster.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson, who was initially absent from practice, later joined the team and emphasized the collective goal. “It will mean a lot to him, but to us too,” Jackson said. “We want him to win versus those guys, which is going to be a rival game.”
What the game means for both clubs
Since Henry’s exit, the Titans have struggled, posting a 6‑31 record and a 0‑3 start this season. The matchup offers the Ravens a chance to further solidify their playoff positioning while giving Henry an opportunity to demonstrate the value of his decision to leave Tennessee.
Fans in both markets will be watching closely, as the game pits a former franchise star against the organization that let him go. Henry’s comments highlight the business side of the NFL, where teams must balance loyalty to long‑time players with the pursuit of competitive advantage.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
