It was a high-scoring and exciting game between the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, different from the defensive battles we are used to seeing from these AFC rivals. A big part of the offense on Sunday was Derrick Henry. Henry had 102 yards on the ground and two TDs. He also had two targets and 18 yards receiving.
However, Henry left the game in the fourth quarter due to a head injury. He entered the blue tent and was evaluated for a concussion. After exiting the blue tent, Henry was seen walking to the locker room, and he did not return to the game. It was later revealed that Henry is not in the concussion protocol, putting his participation in doubt for Week 14.
After the game, head coach Mike Vrabel said that Derrick Henry ran hard and was fun to watch on Sunday. Previously, Vrabel has beat the drum for rookie RB Tyjae Spears, making it clear that they would try to get the talented RB more touches.
If Henry ends up missing time, should the rookie back be a priority pickup on fantasy football waiver wires?
Should Tyjae Spears Be a Fantasy Waiver Wire Add in Week 14?
Spears has been the backup for Henry all season and was the RB46 coming into Week 13. His best finish was in Week 5 against the Colts, where he was the RB9, with 69 scrimmage yards. Spears has averaged 51% of snaps played, and I expect that to increase significantly if Henry has to miss time or is on a pitch count.
Spears finished Sunday’s game with 75 yards on 16 carries. He was also targeted six times by Will Levis. He caught four passes for 13 yards, and after the game, he said that he would continue to go out every day and prepare like a starter.
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Spears should be a waiver wire target heading into Week 14. He is currently rostered in 35% of Yahoo leagues, so there is a high chance that he is available in your league. If Henry does indeed have a concussion, there is a big chance that he will not be able to clear the protocol in time to return for Week 14. This season, there have only been a couple of players who have been able to clear protocol within one week and not miss a game.
If Henry does miss, you would have a solid RB1 on your roster to start, and the status of RBs currently is fairly rough, as players continue to go down to injury every week. Beyond the concussion, the Titans, who are the bottom dwellers in the AFC South with a 4-8 record, might want to just see what they have with the rookie. I could see a world where, even if healthy, the Titans decide to keep Henry on the bench.
After heading to Miami in Week 14 (who give up the 10th-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs), the Titans play Houston and Seattle, who are much better matchups for RBs.
If Spears is available in your league, I would target him this week.
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