We know two things about Travis Henry.
One, when healthy, he can be a productive running back. He led the NFL in rushing after four games last season.
Two, when he isn't healthy or is involved in some sort of dilemma---an accurate way to describe most of his 2007 season-he can be more trouble than he is worth.
You get the prevailing notion, and Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan feels the same way. He signed Henry to a $22.5 million contract about a year ago and you can almost sense he regrets it already.
Why else would he bring in Michael Pittman? A guy who has been in the NFL for ten years absorbing tough hits, is not a guy who is your answer for the long term.
Then again, it's possible that rookie Ryan Torrain might be. Then again,the idea of mixing the Pittman experience factor with Torrain and his fresh legs, just goes to show that they might not be able to depend on Henry and if that is the case they hope to have the necessary personnel to go on without him.
To this point, Henry has missed workouts due to a hamstring injury. Shanahan is most likely going to hold it against him. It was just two years ago that Ron Dayne was the team's top running back in training camp. Then, Mike Bell made a push and got the temporary nod. Today, Dayne is out of Denver and Bell is here, though is more or less out of the mix. The lesson in that? With Shanahan, anybody can rise up his depth chart, so just because Henry has a recognizable name, it may not get him anywhere.
This is a big year for the organization and it would be beneficial if Henry played an active role. However, Shanahan cut Henry's financial deal so much, it makes you wonder that if Selvin Young, Pittman and Torrain can be sufficient replacements, do they even need Henry and the issues that come along with having him? One thing seems certain. Every quarterback needs a strong run game. There may no other coach in the NFL who has been as talented in finding them than Shanahan. However, one thing remains uncertain. What role will Henry play in that run game?
Have a graet weekend, hope to see you on Monday, everyone.
-"z"
