NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Running back Derrick Henry got a taste of football during the preseason.
Now, the Titans running back is ready for the regular season – and more of a workload.
"It is go time now," Henry said on Thursday. "I am ready to go out there and make the impact any way I can, and the same for Dion (Lewis). It is game week, and you get a chance to contribute more than just the first drive.
"(The preseason) left me a little bit hungry. So I am definitely excited to be in game one."
Henry carried the ball just 11 times for 30 yards in three preseason games. He did not play in the preseason finale. Lewis, meanwhile, carried the ball just six times for 20 yards in the preseason.
Henry, heading into his third NFL season, is coming off a year when he carried the ball 176 times for 744 yards and five touchdowns.
The Heisman Trophy winner from Alabama said he's ready to do his part, and knows it will be key to establish the run on Sunday vs the Dolphins.
"I am very anxious," Henry said. "It is Week One, I am excited. It feels like the days have been going by slow, so I am so ready for it to be here. I am very anxious."
In the booth
Titans offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur said on Thursday he plans to work from the coaching booth in the press box – and not on the sideline – on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium. It's expected to continue during the season.
LaFleur worked from both locations in the preseason.
"I'll be upstairs," LaFleur said. "I definitely think you are in a sterile environment, if you will. There's not a lot of chaos in the press box, you can keep your emotions out of the game a little bit and see how to best attack the defense schematically.
"I trust those guys on the field, all of our assistant coaches. If the quarterback sees something that they think we need to get to, I trust the information I am getting downstairs. So I think that made it an easier decision."
Injury Report
There's some good news and some bad news for the Titans on the injury front.
First, the good news: Veteran linebacker Derrick Morgan was a full participant in today's practice after being limited on Wednesday with a knee injury.
The bad news: Rookie linebacker Harold Landry did not practice, a day after being limited because of an ankle.
Also, right tackle Jack Conklin (knee) and linebacker Rashaan Evans (hamstring) practiced on a limited basis, with Evans working on a side field early with coach Mike Vrabel.
Safety Kendrick Lewis (foot) who did not practice.
The Tennessee Titans take the field for practice on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018 at Saint Thomas Sports Park. (Photos: Gary Glenn)
