Time to step up, Chris Henry

It’s often been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. I wouldn’t be shocked if it took far less than a thousand words for Jeff Fisher to express his frustration with this snapshot.
In the photograph, taken during the midst of the Titans’ organized team activities, Henry’s grasp on the pigskin is interrupted by “The Freak”, who eventually scoops up the fumble and races towards the end zone for an imaginary touchdown.
The Titans’ decision to draft a fellow Chris (Chris Johnson) in the first round a few weeks ago should have been a message heard loud and clear by Chris Henry.
Despite being a second round draft selection in 2007, Henry is going to have his work cut out for him as he attempts to become a part of the Titans’ running game next season and beyond.

Henry had a few moments of splendor during his rookie campaign. In his first action as a Titan, Henry rambled for fifty-seven yards and a touchdown on eleven carries in a thrilling victory over the Texans.
His entertaining twenty-four yard touchdown against the Raiders also provided Titans’ fans with a glimpse of his potential. Unfortunately, a four-game suspension essentially ended Henry’s rookie season, as he only rushed for fifteen yards once he returned to the team.
Despite the presence of the speedy and powerful Henry on the roster, attaining the services of a change of pace running back was high on Mike Reinfeldt’s priority list during the offseason. The desire to add a playmaker to the Titans’ stable of backs was fulfilled with the drafting of Chris Johnson in the first round.
With Lendale White serving as the battering ram and Johnson as the home run threat, Chris Henry’s role in the Titans’ running game next season is undetermined. In order for Henry to emerge as a factor in 2008, he is going to have to step his game up and prove to Earnest Byner and Jeff Fisher that he is worthy of significant playing time next season.
Of course, fumbling during a non-tackling drill isn’t going to assist Henry’s goal of proving his mettle to the coaching staff. Holding onto the football will go a long way towards Henry’s ability to hold onto a role in the Titans’ running game next year.