Quick Hits

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Thursday's Quick Hits: Derrick Henry's Mindset, Ryan Tannehill's "Energy," Cameron Wake's Return and the Titans Injury Report

Oct 17, 2019 at 03:37 PM

Jim Wyatt

Senior Writer/Editor

NASHVILLE -- The Titans returned to the practice field on Thursday at Saint Thomas Sports Park to continue preparations for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Here's a look at three quick hits from Thursday:

Henry Ready to Roll

Titans running back Derrick Henry will line up behind a different quarterback on Sunday, but his mission will be the same – he wants to provide a spark himself on offense in the running game.

"I just have to go out there and do my job, and do what I can to help the team," Henry said. "We are in this thing together – it takes 11 of us, and right now we have to go out there and execute and score points.

"I am ready to go. Week after week, I feel good. And we have confidence still – it's never left. The defense is playing well right now, and we just have to catch up."

Since Week 14 of 2018, Henry leads the NFL in rush yards (1,001) and rushing touchdowns (11). Henry has rushed for a touchdown in six of his past seven games at Nissan Stadium.

On the season, Henry has 416 yards and four scores. He was held to 28 yards on 15 carries last week, however, as the Titans were shut out in Denver.

"We have to get things clicking – and go out there and put drives together and be efficient in what we do," Henry said "We need to get this thing going. Everybody faces adversity at some point … so you have to stick with it, and make plays."

.@KingHenry_2 enjoying some @LilTunechi “Fireman” at @Titans practice. 🚒

Thanks @tatumeverett for clarification. pic.twitter.com/xkgHZUIc3j
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) October 17, 2019

Ryan Tannehill's "Energy"

In making the move to Ryan Tannehill as the team's starting quarterback, coach Mike Vrabel said the team is looking for a spark.

So far, so good, Vrabel said.

"I thought there was good energy," Vrabel said of Tannehill's first practice session of the week. "It looked OK, it looked good. We'll see where it goes today on third down, clean up first and second. But everybody's just trying to play better, to understand their job better and give us a chance to execute on Sundays."

Titans outside linebacker Cameron Wake was teammates with Tannehill in Miami.

On Thursday, Wake expressed confidence in the team's new starter, but reminded it's a "collective effort."

"I guess I am the only person who can say they've seen every snap he's ever taken," Wake said of Tannehill. "It has been a pleasure. He's a competitor, he's tough, he has a strong will to win, he's smart. He has a lot of intangibles and is a big strong guy who can run.

"I think he has all the pieces, but it is a collective effort. I don't think any one player is going to be a solution to a lot of pieces that has to play better, and obviously my unit is one of those, I am one of those. So we need to go out there and put a collective game together, that is what is most important."

Cameron Wake was teammates with Ryan Tannehill with the @MiamiDolphins. He’s confident in his ability to lead the @Titans but said it’s a “collective effort.” pic.twitter.com/gjl4AWljCO
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) October 17, 2019

Injury Report

Wake, who has missed the last two contests with a hamstring injury, returned to practice on Thursday, on a limited basis.

"Damn right," Wake said when asked if he's champing at the bit to return. "It's always tough for me when I am not on the field. Everything you are doing when you are not on the field is focused on getting back out there."

Tackle Jack Conklin (ankle) also returned and was a full participant, and safety Kenny Vaccaro (quad) was also a full participant after being limited on Wednesday. Linebacker Daren Bates (ankle) was added to the injury report on Thursday, but he also practiced in full.

Defensive lineman Jurrell Casey (shoulder) and tight end Delanie Walker (ankle) were limited for the second straight day.

Linebacker Jayon Brown (groin), linebacker Sharif Finch (shoulder) and cornerback Chris Milton (calf) did not practice again on Thursday.

QB Ryan Tannehill at today’s @Titans practice. pic.twitter.com/NUg6ZeRuK9
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) October 17, 2019

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NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 17, 2019 - Head coach Mike Vrabel of the Tennessee Titans in the team huddle during practice at Saint Thomas Sports Park in Nashville, TN. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans