Patriots' RB Dilemma: Henderson's Ankle Injury Clouds Week 1 Outlook
Lingering Doubts: TreVeyon Henderson's Absence from Sunday Practice Raises Concerns for Season Opener
New England's football team returned to the training grounds on Sunday, intensifying their preparations for the initial contest of the season against the Seattle Seahawks. However, the primary focus remained on the status of running back TreVeyon Henderson, whose continued absence from official practice sessions is a growing concern. Henderson has not participated in team drills since August 24, when he sustained an ankle injury, placing his availability for the season opener in serious doubt.
Uncertainty Prevails: Henderson's Status Remains Unclear as Week 1 Approaches
With only a few days left until the kickoff of the season on Wednesday evening, updates regarding Henderson's participation are eagerly awaited. Reports from Sunday's practice confirm that Henderson was once again not present on the field. Alex Barth of 98.5 The Sports Hub noted his absence, alongside Christian Barmore and Ben Brown, stating, "Christian Barmore is a new absence at Patriots practice today. TreVeyon Henderson and Ben Brown are also not on the field." This latest update follows head coach Mike Vrabel's earlier suggestions on Saturday that Henderson might return, which unfortunately did not materialize.
Strategic Adjustments: Patriots' Running Back Options in Henderson's Potential Absence
Should Henderson be unable to play in the Week 1 matchup, the team is expected to lean heavily on Rhamondre Stevenson, who has been identified as the clear lead back. According to ESPN's Mike Reiss, the Patriots currently have only one other running back, Corey Kiner, on their 53-man roster. Consequently, New England will likely promote an additional running back from their practice squad. The primary candidates for this role are Hassan Haskins and Lan Larison. Haskins offers more NFL experience, while Larison is more familiar with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' system, particularly in critical aspects like pass protection. Both players also contribute significantly to special teams, especially in punt protection, an area the team has diligently practiced throughout the summer. Regardless of who is elevated, Stevenson is poised to receive a substantial workload, complemented by a rotation involving Kiner and one of the practice squad call-ups.
