Preseason opener night turned into a strong first step for Washington Commanders rookie Robert Henry Jr.
The undrafted running back out of UTSA got 12 carries in his first NFL action on Friday and made them count, finishing with 75 rushing yards and a touchdown. His debut came with quick signs of comfort, too.
Henry opened with an 11-yard gain on his first carry, then followed that with a 15-yard run on the next offensive possession. Two plays later, he bounced around right end for 22 yards and reached the end zone for the first time as a pro.
“I feel great. Still much more to improve, but overall I feel great,” expressed Henry during the postgame press conference.
“When I was watching film on the tablet during the game, there’s some runs I could have made bigger runs. There are some blocks I could have made better.
But you know, I’m still progressing.”
When asked after the game how long it took him to settle in, Henry said he felt confident and comfortable after that first carry.
The bigger stage mattered to him, too. The Commanders and Dolphins scrimmaged on Wednesday, but Henry said Friday night at Northwest Stadium felt different.
“It felt great. The environment was different on the bigger stage. I just soaked it all in and gave it my all.”
Henry also credited his teammates for the push he got during the game, saying they kept telling him to keep running hard and that he was going to bust one.
“I took their words, kept running, and the holes were definitely opening up.”
Washington gave Henry a chance to contribute in the return game as well. He said that part of his game has been in his toolkit for years.
“I’ve been doing returns since I was in high school. When I got to college, I did it too, but I was actually playing, so they would not put me back there.
I’ve been working my whole football career. So when my name is called to go, I am ready.”
Henry’s first outing gave the Commanders a promising look at a rookie who handled his moment well. Next up is another test, as Washington heads to Detroit to face the Lions on Saturday, August 22 at Noon ET.
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