The Baltimore Ravens are keeping Derrick Henry. The decision ends weeks of loud speculation about a blockbuster trade. ESPN reported on Saturday that league sources confirm the team has no plans to move the star running back before the deadline. The Giants showed interest, but their call was not for Henry. They reached out to Baltimore to ask about backup running back Justice Hill instead, according to the New York Post.
Rumors swirled because the team faces a crisis at quarterback. Lamar Jackson broke his thumb on the first play of a loss to the Bills and landed on injured reserve. Backup Tyler Huntley also suffered a season-ending toe injury. The team brought in Jacoby Brissett to lead the offense. Even with these injuries, the front office decided Henry stays. Henry himself shut down the noise after the loss to Jacksonville on Thursday night.
Henry Stays Put to Fix the Team
Henry made his stance clear to reporters. He gave no signs of wanting a change of scenery. “I have not mentioned me going anywhere else,” Henry said. He added that the focus is on improvement. “I’m saying, ‘Let’s go back to work. Let’s try to get better and turn this thing around.'”
The Ravens are struggling right now. They have lost four straight games and got outscored 104-33 in their last three contests. Henry’s numbers have dipped with Jackson hurt. He is averaging 3.9 yards per carry this season. Despite the drop, the team believes they can still compete. They are entering a more favorable part of their schedule soon.
Giants Target Hill, Not Henry
New York has a real need at running back. Their starter, Cam Skattebo, is out with a hamstring injury. Backup Tyrone Tracy sits on injured reserve with a similar issue. The Giants needed help, so they called Baltimore. However, the report states they only asked about Justice Hill. The 28-year-old backup has 240 rushing yards on 33 carries. That breaks down to a massive 7.3 yards per carry average.
It remains unclear if a deal for Hill will happen. The Giants might be too hurt to make a big move. Baltimore has no sympathy for their injury list. The Ravens are focused on their own survival. They hope Brissett can keep them in the playoff race until Jackson returns. The team refuses to abandon this season.
On Thursday, Henry ascended to seventh on the NFL career rushing list. He passed Jerome Bettis and LaDainian Tomlinson. The 11-year veteran now sits at 13,707 career rushing yards. Baltimore faces the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football next.
