NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee Titans running back DeMarco Murray (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team announced Friday. Derrick Henry will start.
This is an expected absence despite the Titans saying earlier this week they were holding out hope that Murray would play. A source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Tuesday that Murray has a third-degree MCL tear. Murray did not practice this week.
Murray had a brace on his right knee and a noticeable limp as he entered the locker room Friday. It might be difficult for Murray to return next week if the Titans make the playoffs, although coach Mike Mularkey said he intends to keep Murray on the 53-man roster.
Murray finished the regular season with a career-low 659 rushing yards. He averaged 3.6 yards per carry.
Henry will get his second start of the season and first opportunity to be the Titans' featured back.
"I don't know how many carries I'm going to get, but I'm going to make the best of my opportunities," said Henry, who leads the Titans with 693 rushing yards.
Henry has had success against Jacksonville, his hometown team. He had 14 carries for 92 yards and a touchdown in the Titans' 37-16 win over the Jaguars in Week 2.
"He's a high-volume guy and I think he continues to get better as he gets reps," quarterback Marcus Mariota said. "When you have a back like that, I'm sure he's excited and he's chomping at the bit to get out there."
Third-string running back David Fluellen will back up Henry. Fluellen has primarily been a special-teams player this season, but he's eager for an opportunity to play a bigger role on offense.
"Every running back wants to touch the ball. I just gotta do my job and be productive," Fluellen said. "I'm real comfortable, real confident in what I gotta do. I'll be ready."
The Titans elevated rookie running back Khalfani Muhammad to the active roster Friday. Muhammad, a seventh-round pick out of Cal, is a speedy back who has spent the entire season on the practice squad.
Top cornerback Logan Ryan (ankle) was listed as questionable, despite missing practice all week.