The New England Patriots will begin the 2026 season without one of their key backfield weapons. TreVeyon Henderson has been ruled out of the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks because of a lingering ankle injury suffered during practice on Aug. 24. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
The absence comes just before the Super Bowl LX rematch, scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Lumen Field. Henderson did not practice during the week and was ultimately listed as out on the NFL's official injury report. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Why won't TreVeyon Henderson play?
Henderson is dealing with an ankle injury suffered on Aug. 24 when he slipped during a running play. The running back has not returned to practice since then, leading the Patriots to keep him out of the season opener.
The absence is significant because Henderson made an immediate impact as a rookie. In 2025, he led New England with 911 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, while also contributing 221 receiving yards. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Henderson also played in Super Bowl LX against Seattle, finishing with six carries for 19 yards and three receptions for 26 yards.
Rhamondre Stevenson will take on a larger role
Henderson's absence makes Rhamondre Stevenson New England's primary running back. Stevenson was already expected to play an important role, but he could now receive a much heavier workload against a Seattle defense that finished last season among the league's best.
Stevenson enters the season after recording 603 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in 2025, including seven rushing scores and two receiving touchdowns. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
New England also has Corey Kiner on the active roster and could elevate another running back from the practice squad to add depth.
A difficult loss for New England's offense
Henderson's absence forces the Patriots to adjust their rushing distribution from the opening game. He had proven to be a threat both as a runner and receiver, giving quarterback Drake Maye another versatile weapon.
The matchup will be difficult because Seattle enters the season as the defending champion and has a defense capable of pressuring quarterbacks and limiting rushing attacks.
Maintaining offensive balance will be one of New England's biggest challenges. If Stevenson receives a heavy workload, the Patriots may need to rely more on their secondary backs and passing game.
When could Henderson return?
New England has not established a specific return date for Henderson. NFL.com also reported that it is unclear whether he will be available for Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
The Patriots will evaluate his progress over the coming days. Because he has missed several weeks of practice, the team has reason to handle his return carefully.
Patriots and Seahawks meet again
The timing makes Henderson's absence even more notable. New England and Seattle meet just seven months after the Seahawks defeated the Patriots in Super Bowl LX.
The game will open the 2026 season on Wednesday at 8:20 p.m. Eastern Time. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
The Patriots will begin the season without TreVeyon Henderson, leaving Rhamondre Stevenson with a larger role. His workload will be one of the key developments to watch in the opener and during the next few weeks.