As the New England Patriots finalize their preparations for Sunday's regular-season opener against the Seattle Seahawks, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the backfield. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, running back TreVeyon Henderson remained sidelined at Saturday's practice, still nursing the ankle injury he sustained on August 24. Henderson has not practiced since that day, and his availability for the season opener is now a legitimate concern for head coach Jerod Mayo and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt.
Henderson's Critical Role in New England's Offense
Henderson's absence would be a significant blow to a Patriots offense that leaned heavily on the ground game last season. The former Ohio State standout led the team with 180 carries for 911 yards and nine touchdowns, providing a dynamic edge that kept defenses honest. His ability to break tackles and turn short gains into explosive plays was a cornerstone of New England's identity. Without him, the Patriots would lose a proven workhorse, forcing the coaching staff to recalibrate their game plan against a Seahawks defense that ranked 10th in rushing yards allowed per game in 2025.
Potential Replacements and Backfield Depth
If Henderson cannot go, the Patriots would turn to Rhamondre Stevenson as the primary ball carrier. Stevenson, a powerful and reliable runner, has experience as a lead back but has battled injuries himself in recent seasons. Behind him, the team would likely lean on Corey Kiner, who arrived in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals just last week. Kiner, a fourth-year pro, has shown flashes of potential but has never handled a full workload. The Patriots would also likely elevate either Hassan Haskins or Lan Larison from the practice squad to provide additional depth, as reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk.
“TreVeyon is a tough kid, but ankle injuries can be tricky. We're taking it day by day and will make the right decision for him and for the team,” a Patriots source told Vulius Sports.
Patriots' Official Injury Report Awaited
New England has not yet released its first official injury report of the season, which is expected later today. That report will provide the first concrete indication of Henderson's status. If he is listed as doubtful or out, the coaching staff will have to finalize their rotation accordingly. The uncertainty adds an extra layer of challenge as the Patriots look to start the season with a statement win on the road.
For Vulius, this is a developing story. We will continue to monitor Henderson's status as more information becomes available. Fans can check back for updates leading up to kickoff. As always, the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk is your home for in-depth coverage and exclusive insights from around the league.
Explore official Custom NFL Jerseys collections crafted with premium stitched lettering and breathable athletic fabrics at Vulius.