ProFootballDoc: Derrick Henry Headed for Foot Surgery -- Can He Return This Season?

The most dominant running back in the NFL has a fifth metatarsal Jones fracture and will undoubtedly have immediate surgery.

This is a common injury for wide receivers and skill position players who have to do a lot of running/cutting. It is a stress fracture often caused by overuse and results from lack of blood flow to the outside of the foot.

Oftentimes, X-rays don't clearly show the injury but an MRI is pending to confirm. This makes sense as we were aware of a Henry issue on Sunday but did not see a particular play that fits the stress fracture scenario. He certainly had a subpar day with continued heavy usage. He rushed for 28 times for only 68 yards, averaging less than half his usual per attempt.

Expect the surgery to be done quickly to give Henry a chance to return. With nine games and 10 weeks left in the regular season, it is feasible for the Titans to have their stud back at the end of the season and playoffs.

Many have tried to rush back at six weeks only to suffer a setback. Given his size and heavy usage, it would seem an 8-12 week timeline is more appropriate. If the Titans (6-2) can play .500 ball without him, they stand a good chance to make the playoffs and get Henry back.

We set the recovery for Henry longer than usual given his 30 touches a game. Certainly it would be much easier for a wide receiver who is much lighter and who gets a fraction of his carries to play through to return earlier.

Without question, this is a big blow to Tennessee but all is not lost for this season yet.