Patriots' TreVeyon Henderson Sits Out Practice with Ankle Injury Ahead of Week 1

As the New England Patriots gear up for their season opener on September 10, the team released its first official injury report of the 2026 campaign, and one name stands out: running back TreVeyon Henderson. The second-year back, selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, was sidelined from practice on Sunday due to an ankle injury—an ailment that has kept him off the field for nearly two weeks.

Henderson's Ankle Injury: A Setback Before the Season

According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Henderson slipped on the turf during a practice session roughly two weeks ago, and he has not practiced since. The injury, while not officially designated yet, raises immediate concerns about his availability for the Patriots' Week 1 matchup. Head coach Jerod Mayo and his staff will be closely monitoring his progress, with the next injury report due on Monday and the official game status (questionable, doubtful, or out) expected on Tuesday.

If Henderson is unable to suit up, the Patriots will lean heavily on veteran Rhamondre Stevenson, who has proven to be a reliable workhorse in the backfield. Stevenson, known for his bruising running style and ability to catch passes out of the backfield, would likely see an increased workload. However, the depth behind him is thin: Corey Kiner is the only other tailback on the 53-man roster, while Hassan Haskins and Lan Larison remain on the practice squad, ready to step up if needed.

Other Injury Concerns for New England

Henderson wasn't the only Patriot missing practice on Sunday. Defensive tackle Christian Barmore (knee) and offensive lineman Ben Brown (knee) also sat out. Barmore, a key piece of the defensive line, has been dealing with knee issues throughout the preseason, and his status for Week 1 remains uncertain. Brown, who provides depth along the offensive line, could be a concern if his knee doesn't improve, especially with the Patriots looking to protect their quarterback against a formidable pass rush.

The Patriots' injury report is relatively clean for a season opener, which is a positive sign for a team looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign. However, the potential absence of Henderson—a dynamic playmaker who was expected to complement Stevenson in the running game—could alter the offensive game plan. As highlighted on Vulius, the Patriots may need to adjust their approach, potentially relying more on short passing routes and screen plays to mitigate the loss of a explosive runner.

Fans and fantasy owners alike will be watching the next few days with bated breath. The official designation on Tuesday will provide clarity, but for now, the Patriots' coaching staff is preparing for all scenarios. As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk notes, this is a critical juncture for a team with playoff aspirations, and how they handle this early adversity could set the tone for the season.