Veteran running back Adrian Peterson signed with the Titans this week after the team placed stud RB Derrick Henry on IR. And though his audition with Tennessee was the first time we heard anything on Peterson since July, there was apparently a fair amount of interest in his services.
Per Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, the Ravens, Raiders, Bills, Falcons, and Dolphins all expressed interest in Peterson, the three-time NFL rushing leader. Peterson also says Dancing with the Stars — which has made a habit of casting current and former NFLers — made him an offer in September, an offer that he declined because he believed he would have the opportunity to sign with Baltimore.
The Ravens lost their top three RBs before the season even started, and they ended up signing veterans Latavius Murray, Devonta Freeman, and Le’Veon Bell to help fill the void, so Peterson was right to think that he might get a shot in Baltimore. That obviously didn’t happen, but the future Hall-of-Famer will get a prime opportunity with Tennessee.
At 6-2, the Titans are currently at the top of the AFC standings, so Peterson will immediately get some action for a playoff contender, something he did not get to experience over the last three seasons (he spent 2018-19 with the Washington Football Team and 2020 with the Lions). Of course, losing Henry — the engine that makes Tennessee’s offense run, with all due respect to A.J. Brown and Ryan Tannehill — could seriously undermine the club’s chances at securing a first-round bye.
Speaking of Henry, Schefter passes along some bad news for Titans fans. The last report on Henry’s foot injury suggested that he might be back as soon as Week 15, or at least in time for the playoffs, but one source tells ESPN that it would be very surprising if Henry were able to return at all this season.
Without Henry, the Titans will forge ahead with Peterson, Jeremy McNichols, and D’Onta Foreman.
I don’t think that’s necessarily bad news about him not forcing a return. As much as I wanted a 2000 plus yard MVP season for Henry, I’d rather he take the rest of the year off and be better in the long term. I’m not a Titans fan, but I’d imagine a few more years of Henry is better than a few more games.
I think AD chose correctly with going to Tennessee. His running style matches Henry. While he’s not runner Henry is anymore, he should be a serviceable backup.
With all due respect… AP just simply doesn’t have anything in the tank any more…. McNichols will be their best back moving forward… honestly wouldn’t shock me to see Peterson not finish the year… we shall see.
I agree with sooner. A.P. Is a shell of his former self, true, but I’m really not sold on McNichols being able to shoulder that load effectively on his own. I suppose it depends on what version of A.P. The Titans get-the Washington edition or the Lions edition. On short notice, though, signing a back with that much experience is necessary to quickly suit him up. I really want to see if Foreman earns a shot-if he does, he could be a much younger option in that same downhill role.
Just trying for a ring
All had ample time to sign him.
One source tells ESPN….?? Why not use some specifics? Could have said my dad told ESPN….