NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Derrick Henry will definitely not play for the Titans against the Saints.

The Titans' decision likely results from two factors: the limitations his injured hamstring would cause against New Orleans and an eagerness to have him rested and more ready for Week 17’s game at Houston.HenryIntroPatriots

Now in his fourth season, Henry has previously missed only one game because of injury, Week 9 in 2016 because of a calf strain.

Last week while clearly limited by the injury he still ran 21 times for 86 yards in the home loss to the Texans. [Unlocked]

He was first on the injury report with a hamstring injury in Week 13, following the Titans’ 42-20 win in Jacksonville when he ran 19 times for 159 yards and two touchdowns.

He ran 26 times for 149 and a score against at Indianapolis and 18 times for 103 and two TDs in Oakland before showing a real sign of slowing down last week.scenarios

As the Titans p[repared for the visit from the Saints, Henry was limited at practice Wednesday, did not practice Thursday and was a full participant on Friday. He got no injury designation on the Friday injury report and that suggested things looked good.

But Saturday, the Titans downgraded him to questionable, when the Titans waived Sharif Finch and elevated Dalyn Dawkins from the practice squad to add to their running back stable.

Minus Henry, Tennessee will look to a combination of Dion Lewis, Khari Blasingame and Dawkins in the backfield against the Saints without Henry. The Titans may also find creative ways to find rushing yards, as they did with a play for Jonnu Smith last week that gained 57 yards.

There are four scenarios for the Titans to get into the playoffs as a wild card as the No. 6 seed. A win Sunday factors into two of them. (Photo via @Emily_Proud.)

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