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Henderson doubtful for Patriots opener vs. Seahawks

9/9/2026

22 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Henderson Doubtful for Opener

Coach Mike Vrabel said TreVeyon Henderson remains doubtful for the season opener against Seattle.
Henderson injured his right ankle on Aug. 24 and has not practiced since.
Ben Brown missed Monday’s practice and was listed as “did not travel,” ruling him out.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss says Rhamondre Stevenson will become the Patriots’ No. 1 running back if Henderson sits.

Summary

Patriots Acquire Kiner

Patriots traded a future seventh-round pick for RB Corey Kiner on Aug. 28.
Kiner arrived with only 30 career NFL snaps, all with the Arizona Cardinals.
In the 2026 preseason he logged 39 carries for 180 yards and two touchdowns.
Seattle, the Week 1 opponent, ranked No. 1 last season in rushing yards and EPA allowed per play.

Summary

Patriots Promote RB

Patriots may promote a practice-squad running back to back up Stevenson after Henderson’s injury.
Henderson posted 10 total touchdowns last season, combining rushing and receiving.
Henderson averaged 5.1 yards per carry, ranking seventh league-wide.
Stevenson is expected to catch five passes for 40 yards and a touchdown in Week 1.
Stevenson received 65% of backfield snaps and led red-zone carries, while Henderson had 35%.

History

Historical Context

The Patriots first faced a backfield crisis in 1999 when first-round pick Robert Edwards, who had rushed for 1,115 yards as a rookie in 1998, was placed on injured reserve after tearing his ACL in a Pro Bowl flag-football game. The pattern reappeared in 2024 when TreVeyon Henderson’s ankle injury forced New England to rely on Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie Corey Kiner.

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Henderson Doubtful for Opener

Coach Mike Vrabel said TreVeyon Henderson remains doubtful for the season opener against Seattle.
Henderson injured his right ankle on Aug. 24 and has not practiced since.
Ben Brown missed Monday’s practice and was listed as “did not travel,” ruling him out.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss says Rhamondre Stevenson will become the Patriots’ No. 1 running back if Henderson sits.

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