Whenever Tyler Huntley starts, it should always be a Derrick Henry game. He’s the backbone of the Baltimore Ravens’ offense, and even at 32 years old, he can still dominate and dictate the pace of a game. That should be the goal on Sunday.
And as if there’s not enough reason to give Henry the ball already, the Cleveland Browns’ defense faces uncertainty heading into Week 6. Two of their best defensive playmakers, Mason Graham and Carson Schwesinger, are questionable with injuries, and Derek Barnett is also questionable.
That’s three key defenders with uncertain game statuses. Each also practiced just once this week, and they were limited participants. There’s a real chance none of them suit up.
If that’s the case, Henry could have a massive game lying ahead.
Derrick Henry might be in position to dominate the Cleveland Browns
Cleveland’s defense has already been underwhelming in 2026. It’s not the same as the Jim Schwartz units that terrorized offenses for years. They rank 18th in rushing yards allowed per game with 117.4, and give up 4.5 yards per carry.
It gets worse, as well. According to Warren Sharp, the Browns allow 3.67 yards after contact per rush (30th in the NFL). Derrick Henry has posted 4.03 yards after contact per rush through five weeks (7th in the NFL). That's one of the many areas to exploit.
And if their best defensive tackle and best linebacker can’t play? Things might be scary bad.
Mason Graham and Carson Schwesinger are incredible players. The two headlined an absolutely insane 2025 rookie class, which was capped by Schwesinger taking home Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. As for Graham, he was off to a strong start in 2026 with 4 sacks and 6 tackles for loss.
If they’re unable to play, that’d be huge for Henry. If we’re being honest, the Ravens haven’t won consistently when running between the tackles. More specifically, their production in short-yardage situations has been uninspiring, especially with a 6-foot-3, 252-pound beast like Henry in their backfield.
Simply put, if you take Graham, Schwesinger, or even just one of them out of the equation, everything would open for Henry and Baltimore’s offensive line. And as the interior offensive line searches for answers alongside Vega Ioane, this might be their chance to find a rhythm.
That goes for the tackles and the running game’s ability to hit the edge, too. Because if Derek Barnett is ruled out, that’d be a weight off Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten’s shoulders.
Barnett is a tough veteran who can be a real factor against the run. He brings a gritty playstyle, winning with violence, collapsing the edge, and bringing down ball carriers. If he can’t play, Cleveland’s edge defender rotation would take a hit.
With Henry’s effectiveness on outside runs this year, Barnett’s potential absence may expose yet another hole in the Browns’ defensive front. It could start looking like Swiss cheese out there if Declan Doyle plays his cards right.
It’s still possible that all three of those guys play. More often than not, players listed as questionable end up playing. However, with Graham, Schwesinger, and Barnett only being limited on Friday, the path to hitting the field on Sunday could be tough.
If they’re out, it’s time to let Henry loose once more.
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