Who is Derrick Henry’s handcuff in fantasy football?

The Tennessee Titans and fantasy owners alike both lost a huge piece of their teams for the foreseeable future, as superstar running back Derrick Henry has reportedly suffered a foot injury that could end his season.

While we’ve seen varying takes on how long Henry will be out (some as long as the entire season, some as short as eight weeks), The King’s injury leaves a gaping hole that will likely last the rest of the fantasy football season.

So, this begs the question: who is the back fantasy managers should be targeting in the wake of his injury?

For right now, that’s Jeremy McNichols, who has been the Titans’ No. 2 back when healthy this season. McNichols has served predominantly as a passing-game back behind Henry, where he has thrived, reeling in 21 passes for 203 yards and one score. In fact, he’s third on the team in receiving yards.

He hasn’t been used much in the ground game, though, amassing just seven carries for 38 yards, but that figures to change now that Henry is out.

However, don’t get too worked up and blow your FAAB budget or top waiver spot on McNichols.

That’s because he is unlikely to gobble up all of the work Henry has taken on. Not only is he human, but McNichols is smaller in stature and is better suited to be a part-time back in a committee.

Adding to that, the Titans are already exploring their options outside the team, as Tennessee is reportedly set to work out Adrian Peterson, and we expect multiple backs to be brought in, and at least two to be added.

While you’ll have to wait for waivers in order to grab McNichols, who will be a better option in PPR formats, Peterson should be available right now.

It wouldn’t be a bad idea to try and get a jump on him, although know the risk that he might not even sign, and even if he does he could be embroiled in a committee. DO NOT give up a player with any semblance of value for him.

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