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Derrick Henry is ready if DeMarco Murray can't go vs. Seahawks

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans are uncertain on whether they'll have running back DeMarco Murray for their Week 3 contest against the Seattle Seahawks. Murray is listed as questionable for Sunday, and coach Mike Mularkey says his availability will depend on how his injured hamstring responds over the next couple of days.

Derrick Henry is expected to get a significant workload Sunday, whether Murray plays or not, in what should be a physical, run-heavy matchup.

Murray returned to practice Friday as a limited participant routes and caught passes from Titans quarterbacks during individual drills. Murray showed some instances of acceleration as a runner and receiver during Friday's light session, though it was far from what he would be expected to do in game action.

"It's the kind of injury, you watch and see how he wakes up in the morning," Mularkey said. "We'll talk it through. We've been pretty smart to this point. We're not going to subject anybody to further injury."

Murray appears more likely to be out than to have a full workload on Sunday.

For fantasy owners, the possibility of Murray being active may make "start or sit" decisions more difficult, but it shouldn't. Henry is the healthier and stronger performing back at this point so he'd be the safer start on your team as a solid RB2 this week even if Murray technically starts for the Titans on Sunday. Henry should creep closer to RB1 status if Murray doesn't suit up.

"They're both very good backs. I don't think it matters who starts and who doesn't. They're both backs who can be productive in this league," Mularkey said. "I don't think there's any secret as to who is on the piece of paper as the top guy."

David Fluellen would be the Titans' backup to Henry if Murray can't play. Fullback Jalston Fowler can also take some carries.

Murray's season-long health has to be paramount in the Titans' decision. This is an aggravation of the hamstring injury he suffered in August that caused him to miss two weeks. He told team trainers he felt his hamstring getting tight in the second half of the Titans' 37-16 win over Jacksonville.

Adding to the matter is that Murray has struggled to get going in his first two games. Murray has 69 yards (25 vs. the Jaguars) and no touchdowns on 21 carries this season. Henry has 117 yards (92 vs. the Jaguars) and a touchdown on 20 carries this season.

Henry attributes his strong start to comfort in the NFL and the system. He said his rookie year gave him experience and now he can play faster.

"When my name is called, (I) just go out there and make plays," Henry said.

Receiver Corey Davis and safety Johnathan Cyprien were ruled out earlier this week with hamstring injuries.