The Tennessee Titans started voluntary team workouts Monday with one notable absence, second-year running back Derrick Henry failed to make an appearance. Of course, the fact that these workouts are voluntary means players don’t necessarily have to show up, but the ramifications of such decisions are routinely frowned upon at the NFL level.

The former Alabama Heisman trophy winner’s failure to appear has ruffled the feathers of not only his teammates but his head coach, as well. According to Jason Wolf of The Tennesseean, defensive lineman Jurrell Casey was none too pleased to see Henry skip the team’s first workouts.

“It definitely puts that little check mark in the back of my mind and lets me know who I can count on, who I can’t count on,” Casey said. “To see your teammates show up is definitely great.”

After being selected as a second round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Henry backed up starting running back DeMarco Murray his rookie season in Nashville. Henry rushed for 490 yards and five touchdowns during his debut year with the Titans.

“It’s their choice,” Tennessee head coach Mike Mularkey said. “Maybe I used to get disappointed. I have no control over it. It’s their option. It’s their choice.”

Aside from Henry, Tennessee defensive back Bennett Okotcha was the only other player to fail to make an appearance during the team’s first day of team workouts.


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