NASHVILLE – The Titans beat the Colts 34-31 in overtime on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Titans head coach Mike Vrabel spoke to reporters on Monday to discuss the game, and more, as the team begins to turn its attention to Sunday's game against the Rams in Los Angeles.
Henry Update
The biggest news of the day surrounds Titans running back Derrick Henry. (CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY).
Vrabel said during the presser that Henry will undergo foot surgery on Tuesday, and there is no timetable for his return.
The Titans officially placed Henry on Injured Reserve on Monday afternoon.
"Derrick is going to have surgery in the morning," Vrabel said. "We are not going to put a timeline on when he may return. I know that he'll do everything that he can to work himself back, to be able to help this football team. And whenever that is, that's when it will be."
Henry carried the ball 28 times for 68 yards against the Colts. Vrabel said the team found out after the game there was an issue with Henry's foot, and "the issue is going to need to be fixed."
In eight games in 2021, Henry has totaled 937 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns on 219 attempts, along with 18 receptions for 154 yards to give him a total of 1,091 scrimmage yards.
"I know that Derrick will be around our team as soon as he can," Vrabel said. "I know that is important to him, and I know that will be important to our team. And we will have to move on. We'll have to move on unfortunately without him in the short term, and not look back."
Other Options at RB
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Monday that veteran running back Adrian Peterson is scheduled to work out for the Titans.
Vrabel didn't confirm that report, and he didn't discuss outside options.
"I'm not going to comment on what is being speculated," Vrabel said. "I am going to comment on the guys that are here on our roster that we have signed. We've played against Adrian and obviously he has a pretty strong and solid resume."
Vrabel did compliment the team's current running backs, from Jeremy McNichols, who is on the active roster, to practice squad running backs Dontrell Hilliard and Mekhi Sargent.
"Jeremy, since he's been here, whether that is on the active roster, the practice squad, has always just done what the team needed him to do -- special teams, run the football, protect," Vrabel said. "He has a certain level of toughness that we respect. He has done a nice job in protection, and he has done a nice job in the screen game. So we have confidence in him.
"… Dontrell, I would say, probably spent more time in the building for a new player last week (after being signed), as much as anyone I can remember. I would see him late in the special teams office with (coach Craig Aukerman), and I heard him meeting with (RBs coach Tony Dews) in Tony's office, and so he came in ready to go. You could tell he clearly wanted to come in and play. And (Mekhi), he has shown a toughness and a willingness to be available to be with us through training camp."
Defensive Lapses
The Titans were called for two defensive pass interference calls on Sunday against the Colts, and both led to touchdowns.
The first was on safety Amani Hooker, and the second was called on safety Kevin Byard late in regulation.
"A lot of it is the technique down the field," Vrabel said. "And, when in doubt, you have to play the ball. Because your margin for error when you don't is so thin on the contact.
"When in doubt, you have to be in a position to play the football."
Tannehill Update
Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill got banged up at the end of Sunday's game, but he finished.
Vrabel was asked about the team's starting QB on Monday.
"He's good," Vrabel said. "He's excited. We're 6 and 2. Everybody is sore and banged up, but guys are excited to be where we are and to continue to try and prepare."
What About Julio?
Titans receiver Julio Jones didn't play against the Colts.
Asked on Monday if Jones will practice on Monday, Vrabel replied:
"It's Monday," Vrabel said. "So, we'll see where we're at on Wednesday."
Next Up: Rams
The Titans will play on Sunday Night Football against the Rams.
The Rams are currently 7-1, and they've outscored their opponents by a score of 245 to 168.
"Talented, explosive," Vrabel said of the Rams. "The quarterback (Matthew Stafford) is playing extremely well, Cooper Kupp (is good), they are finding ways to run the ball, they are creative in finding ways to run the ball. (Robert) Woods has always been a player that I have always respected, he goes in there and blocks. Cooper blocks. (The receivers) are good route runners, they are strong with the football, they are good after the catch. (Tight end Tyler) Higbee is somebody that continues to show up when you watch. The line has been intact, the defense plays fast and really forces the quarterback when they throw the ball to make some quick decisions. Obviously (Jalen) Ramsey is a huge challenge, but they have guys that are playing fast and really understand what they're trying to get done."
