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Titans Eye Robinson as Hybrid Receiver/RB in Post-Henry Era

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, February 25th 2026 at 16:01 GMT by Sports Illustrated
      Locales: Tennessee, Kentucky, UNITED STATES

Nashville, TN - February 25th, 2026 - As the Tennessee Titans prepare for the 2026 season, a critical question looms: what does the future hold for their offensive identity in a post-Derrick Henry era? While "King Henry" remains a formidable force, his age-32 season casts a long shadow. The team is wisely exploring contingency plans, and a surprising potential solution is gaining traction: utilizing wide receiver Wandale Robinson in a hybrid receiver/running back role.

The conversation surrounding Robinson's evolving role began subtly in the 2024 season, and has steadily intensified since. Originally drafted as a dynamic receiver, Robinson's on-field opportunities have been limited, leading many to question how the Titans planned to maximize his potential. However, recent coaching comments and internal team discussions suggest a far more innovative plan is brewing. Head coach Mike Vrabel, known for his pragmatic and adaptable approach, has openly hinted at expanding Robinson's responsibilities, explicitly questioning how the team could "add more to our offense."

This isn't simply about finding another running back. It's about creating a player who is a genuine dual-threat, capable of beating defenses both through the air and on the ground. The Titans currently lack a true, versatile backup to Henry who possesses receiving capabilities. Traditional backups often struggle to contribute meaningfully as pass-catchers, limiting offensive flexibility. Robinson solves this problem immediately.

His experience with the New York Giants provides a compelling blueprint. During his time in New York, Robinson was deployed as a running back on several occasions, showcasing an innate ability to find running lanes, break tackles, and gain yards after contact. While his frame isn't that of a traditional power back, his low center of gravity, explosive acceleration, and exceptional vision make him a difficult player to bring down in open space. These traits, combined with his established receiving skillset, make him a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses.

"He's a tough runner, surprisingly strong for his size, and he understands angles exceptionally well," said an anonymous Titans scout. "We saw flashes of that in college, and the Giants' usage confirms it wasn't a fluke. He's not going to replace Derrick Henry's between-the-tackles power, but he can give us that elusive, change-of-pace element that offenses crave."

The Titans' coaching staff has been diligently studying game film of players like Austin Ekeler and Christian McCaffrey, who have redefined the modern running back position with their receiving prowess. The goal isn't necessarily to transform Robinson into a carbon copy of either player, but rather to integrate similar concepts into the Titans' offensive scheme. This could involve lining Robinson up in the backfield on certain plays, utilizing him on screens and quick passes, and even having him motion into the backfield before the snap to create confusion for the defense.

The advantages are numerous. Firstly, it alleviates the pressure on Henry, extending his career and minimizing the risk of injury. Secondly, it forces defenses to account for Robinson's versatility, creating mismatches and opening up opportunities for other players. Thirdly, it adds a much-needed element of unpredictability to the Titans' offense, making them harder to gameplan against.

The move isn't without its challenges. Robinson will need to refine his ball-carrying technique and develop a greater understanding of run-blocking schemes. The offensive line will also need to adjust to the nuances of blocking for a smaller, more agile runner. However, the coaching staff believes these are surmountable obstacles.

The Titans' decision to explore this path is a testament to their forward-thinking approach. They aren't simply looking for a replacement for Derrick Henry; they are building an offensive system that can thrive long after his retirement. Wandale Robinson, once viewed as a potentially underutilized receiver, is now emerging as a key piece of that future, a versatile weapon capable of carrying the load - both as a receiver and a runner - in the years to come. The team is expected to announce increased reps for Robinson at the running back position during upcoming organized team activities (OTAs).