Patriots may not have to face Titans running back Derrick Henry in four weeks

Derrick Henry is the NFL’s best running back and as such a major headache for defenses preparing to slow down the Tennessee Titans. Among those are the New England Patriots this season: the Patriots will host the Titans in Week 12.

However, it appears as if they will not have to go up against Henry that day. According to a report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year “suffered a potentially season-ending foot injury during Sunday’s 34-31 win over Indianapolis.”

While an MRI will determine the full extent of the injury, Henry missing any extended time would be a major blow to the Titans. Likewise, it might bring a massive shift in the AFC playoff picture.

At 6-2, Tennessee is the current top seed in the conference. It remains to be seen whether or not they can hold onto that spot down the stretch with Henry likely out and his backups — Jeremy McNichols and practice squadders Dontrell Hilliard and Mekhi Sargent — taking over.

One thing cannot be denied, though: teams like the Patriots should have an easier time against the Titans if Henry will indeed miss some time.