Patriots’ TreVeyon Henderson Concern Grows Before Seahawks Opener

Patriots’ TreVeyon Henderson Concern Grows Before Seahawks Opener originally appeared on NESN.
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The New England Patriots may have to open their season without one of their most explosive offensive players. Running back TreVeyon Henderson missed his fourth consecutive practice Sunday because of an ankle injury. Henderson has not practiced since suffering the injury Aug. 24, according to Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald.

New England listed Henderson as a non-participant on its official Sunday injury report. Defensive tackle Christian Barmore and offensive lineman Ben Brown also sat out because of knee injuries.  The timing makes Henderson’s continued absence especially concerning. The Patriots have only one more scheduled practice before traveling to Seattle for Wednesday night’s season opener against the Seahawks.

Henderson has not officially been ruled out, but four straight missed practices leave New England facing an uncomfortable question: How will the Patriots divide their backfield responsibilities if he cannot play?

Rhamondre Stevenson already was expected to start. Henderson’s potential absence, however, would remove the player best equipped to deliver an explosive run or turn a short reception into a major gain. Henderson rushed for 911 yards and nine touchdowns on 180 carries during his rookie season, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN. He averaged 5.1 yards per attempt and added a receiving touchdown.

The Patriots would not simply be replacing a backup. They would be losing the change-of-pace weapon who makes their backfield far more difficult to defend.

Patriots Could Turn To Recently Acquired Running Back

Stevenson would likely handle a significant workload if Henderson is unavailable. His experience in Josh McDaniels’ offense and reliability in pass protection make him the safest option, particularly in a loud Seattle environment. Mike Vrabel previously praised Stevenson’s ability to recognize and block pressure. That skill becomes even more valuable in an opener where Drake Maye could face communication challenges at the line of scrimmage.

The uncertainty begins behind Stevenson. Corey Kiner is the only other running back currently on New England’s 53-man roster. The Patriots acquired Kiner from the Arizona Cardinals on Aug. 28, giving him limited time to learn the offense before potentially receiving a prominent Week 1 role.

Kiner has played only 30 offensive snaps across four NFL games, per ESPN. Asking him to handle a substantially expanded workload less than two weeks after joining the team would carry obvious risk.

New England also could elevate Lan Larison or Hassan Haskins from its practice squad.

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Larison has more familiarity with McDaniels’ system after spending his rookie season with the Patriots, although a foot injury prevented him from appearing in a game. Haskins brings considerably more regular-season experience and previously played for Vrabel with the Tennessee Titans.

“Guys have different strengths,” Vrabel said when discussing the Patriots’ backfield options, per ESPN. “We’ll see who we end up using for the game.”

The decision could involve more than rushing ability. Pass protection and special teams value may determine which back receives the call against Seattle. Henderson’s status remains the most important piece of the equation. If he returns Monday, the Patriots could have reason for optimism. Another absence would make his availability for Wednesday increasingly difficult to envision.

New England still has Stevenson, an established starter capable of carrying the rushing attack. What the Patriots may not have is Henderson’s speed, big-play potential and ability to change a game with one touch. That would be a significant loss before the offense takes its first snap of the new season.

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