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7 offensive playmakers who need to be turned loose

Jasen Vinlove / USA TODAY Sports

NFL teams are always looking for new weapons to play with on offense, but even when they find them, it doesn't always guarantee fireworks.

Here are seven offensive playmakers in dire need of an expanded role:

Derrick Henry, RB, Titans

After nearly a season and a half, the football world - especially the fantasy section - is still waiting for the Tennessee Titans to make Henry the workhouse he's clearly capable of being.

One problem: DeMarco Murray refuses to yield ground, and somehow produces a solid game every time it looks like Henry is set to take over.

However, the veteran would be much better suited to a third-down role, allowing him to get over a lingering hamstring injury and give the disappointing Titans running game new life.

Martavis Bryant, WR, Steelers

Bryant wants to be traded. Or he doesn't. Or he actually does.

Regardless, the Pittsburgh Steelers need to find a way to get him involved - even if it's just for one week to boost his trade value ahead of the deadline. The smarter play, however, would be to keep Bryant. The wideout's value is low thanks to his poor numbers and the risk he carries due to his suspension history, and Pittsburgh would be crazy to give up on a potential All-Pro talent.

Early in the season, it was Ben Roethlisberger's poor play that held Bryant back. But in the last two games, it's been Bryant at fault. The two must get on the same page, and the Steelers need to find more creative ways to boost the young receiver's role.

David Njoku, TE, Browns

The 0-7 Cleveland Browns are struggling to decide on a quarterback, let alone to score consistently on offense, but they still refuse to feature their highly athletic rookie tight end.

And it's not like Njoku hasn't teased his potential when given the occasional opportunities, including a two-catch, 58-yard performance in Week 7. Given the poor output from the receiving corps, Njoku should be the top target for whoever's starting at quarterback in Cleveland.

Marlon Mack, RB, Colts

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

The fact that Frank Gore is still producing at age 34 is remarkable, but his vision and experience can no longer compensate for his lack of speed. Meanwhile, Mack is a firecracker just waiting to be set off.

The rookie running back is averaging nearly 5 yards per rush, and while he's likely not ready to completely take the reins from Gore, the woeful Indianapolis Colts have little to lose by making him their starter.

Josh Doctson, WR, Redskins

Doctson's young career has been dogged by injuries, but it looked like he'd arrived after an impressive leaping 52-yard touchdown in Week 3.

Instead, his snap count has dropped to confusing lows in the past two games. And it's not like the Redskins don't need him, with Terrelle Pryor disappointing, Jordan Reed hurt, and Jamison Crowder doing a disappearing act.

Doctson has the talent to be a No. 1 receiver, and the Redskins should give him the chance to prove it.

D'Onta Foreman, RB, Texans

It's not like the Texans are hurting for offense. Since Deshaun Watson became the starter, Houston has scored a league-best 170 points. Still, there's always room for improvement.

Lamar Miller is serviceable, but the rookie Foreman is more physical and agile despite being a larger runner, and has proven more capable of breaking loose for big gains. Miller should still be featured, but more Foreman could send the red-hot Texans offense to dizzying new heights.

Dion Lewis, RB, Patriots

The Patriots have already realized that Lewis is likely still the best runner in a crowded backfield, giving him 11 and 13 totes in their last two games, respectively.

However, Lewis has been a non-factor in the passing game, likely due to the presence of James White. But there should be enough touches to go around - especially for a player like Lewis who took the league by storm in 2015 when he caught 36 passes for 388 yards and two touchdowns in six starts before being lost to injury.

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