Henry starts while White sits - Nashville, Tennessee - Saturday, 08/18/07 - Tennessean.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Chris Henry didn't have much time to think about getting his first NFL start, albeit in a preseason game.
"I found out right before the game,'' the Titans rookie running back said. "I just wanted to make the most of it.''
But Henry struggled against the Patriots, rushing for just 15 yards on 8 carries (a 1.9-yard average). He appeared to be late hitting the hole on several runs, though there didn't appear to be much running room either.
Take away Henry's first carry — a 7-yard run — and he had just 8 yards on 7 carries.
"You get more comfortable each week, and as the preseason progresses all the rookies are going to get better, including myself,'' Henry said. "The Patriots have a really good defense. They were exactly where they were supposed to be out there.''
Running back LenDale White was scheduled to start for the Titans, but was held out because of a sore ankle. Instead of veteran Chris Brown starting in his place, the Titans opted to go with Henry instead. It gave the team a better chance to evaluate him while playing against New England's first-team defense, and running behind the starting offensive line, Coach Jeff Fisher said. Henry played in the second half last week vs. the Redskins.