Derrick Henry is known for running over defenders, but lately, he can’t seem to hold onto the football, and it’s becoming a major problem for the Baltimore Ravens. The star running back is tied for the most fumbles in the league this season, losing the ball in three separate games.
What’s even more concerning is that these fumbles are happening, with two crucial fourth-quarter turnovers arguably costing his team a victory.
Why Is Chris Canty Saying Derrick Henry Can’t Be Trusted?
Following the Ravens’ 38-30 loss to the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football, former Super Bowl champion Chris Canty went on ESPN’s “First Take” and lambasted Henry for his performance. Canty didn’t hold back, stating, “You can’t trust him right now with the ball.”
.@ChrisCanty99 says that he can’t trust Derrick Henry with the ball right now 👀 pic.twitter.com/rLdxHUpeSg
— First Take (@FirstTake) September 23, 2025
While Stephen A. Smith pushed back, saying Canty was going too far, the former defensive lineman stood his ground. He called Henry’s production against the Lions unacceptable. “I don’t want to see Derrick Henry rushing 12 times for 50 yards,” Canty said.
In response, Smith launched into one of his trademark soliloquies to defend the running back.
“If I was him, I’d be very upset with you right now,” Smith said. “I know I got to be accountable. I fumbled over the last three games. I get it. I understand it. But damn. I’ve been in this league a long time. I’ve been King Henry for a while. While Saquon Barkley was rushing for 2,005 yards last year, I put up 1,921. This is what I do. So it’s a struggle right now. But what do they do with every other position? Here’s a ball. They keep giving it to you. Work through it, work it out. You don’t lose faith and go away from it and not trust them.”
The pivotal moment in question occurred with the Ravens trailing 28-24 with just over eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Henry took a handoff deep in Baltimore’s territory but was met in the backfield by the Lions’ star pass rusher, Aidan Hutchinson. Hutchinson went for the punch-out from behind and successfully dislodged the ball, allowing his teammate D.J. Reed to recover the fumble. The turnover led to a Lions field goal, and the Ravens were unable to close the deficit.
After the game, Henry apologized to his teammates and vowed to bounce back from his struggles.
“I’m trying every day to fix the problem that just keeps occurring,” Henry explained. “I’m my worst critic, so I’m not going to try to beat myself up too much. But it’s hard not to when it’s consecutive and consistent instances of me doing the same thing.”
Now, the Ravens will travel to face the Kansas City Chiefs next week in a showdown between two preseason favorites who are both unexpectedly 1-2 after three games.
