Patriots weigh running back options as Henderson sidelined for season opener
New England coach Mike Vrabel said the team will adjust its backfield after rookie TreVeyon Henderson missed practice with an ankle injury, leaving Rhamondre Stevenson as the likely starter and other backs from the roster and practice squad under consideration.
Running back TreVeyon Henderson, who appeared in every game of his rookie season, has been out of practice since Aug. 24 with an ankle injury, casting doubt on his availability for the Patriots’ Week 1 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Coach Mike Vrabel said the team will rely on Rhamondre Stevenson, who started the season opener last year, and evaluate other backs on the roster.
Stevenson, who felt “great physically” after training camp, has earned the coaching staff’s confidence for his blitz-pickup ability. > "I love the way that Rhamondre protects," Vrabel said. "If you have backs that can pick up pressure, it's one thing to be able to get over there and know where the pressure is coming from. It's another thing to go block them."
The Patriots’ only other running back on the 53-man roster is rookie Corey Kiner, acquired in a trade from Arizona. Kiner has limited NFL experience and would face a steep learning curve if called upon. The team may also promote practice-squad players Lan Larison or Hassan Haskins, both of whom have experience in the Patriots’ system and could contribute on special teams.
Henderson finished the 2025 season with 911 rushing yards, a 5.1-yard average and nine touchdowns. The Patriots practiced without him on Thursday, focusing on first- and second-down plays, and continued full-pad drills on Saturday, according to quarterback Drake Maye.
In other news, the Patriots entered the season with a thin outside-linebacker group after veteran Harold Landry III was placed on the PUP list. Rookies Gabe Jacas and Quintayvious Hutchins are listed as backups, while veteran Dre'Mont Jones and Elijah Ponder remain starters. Vrabel highlighted the veterans’ presence and the daily improvement of the younger players.
The team also addressed contract talks with cornerback Christian Gonzalez, noting that Vrabel does not handle negotiations directly but seeks a “delicate balance” to resolve the situation.
Patriots’ waiver activity resulted in the addition of tight end Cameron Latu and linebacker Darius Muasau to the 53-man roster, with Muasau describing the call from Vrabel as a “crazy feeling.”