The New England Patriots set out in the 2026 offseason to build a more powerful running game, focusing on new and better run-blockers. They were enlisted to open holes for the Patriots' solid running back tandem of veteran Rhamondre Stevenson and ascending second-year pro TreVeyon Henderson.
To try to do so, they signed free agent tight end Julian Hill and fullback Reggie Gilliam to help open running lanes. Unfortunately, those plans were derailed as Hill is out for the season with an injury and now Gilliam is being considered day-to-day as well. The best laid NFL plans often go awry due to injuries.
Regardless, CBS Sports' Jared Dubin recently ranked the top 10 NFL running back duos, and the Patriots' tandem of Stevenson and Henderson checks in at a lofty No. 4.
"It would have been hard to imagine this duo landing anywhere on this list midway through last season, when Stevenson faced fumbling issues and Henderson could barely get on the field," Dubin wrote. "But then Stevenson went out with an injury, Henderson blew up in his absence, and Stevenson played the best football of his career once he returned.
Now these guys look like a pairing that can each do a little bit of everything, including hit on big plays both on the ground and through the air. If Henderson's pass blocking improves, then they can be truly interchangeable three-down backs. And considering that blocking was considered a strength of Henderson's coming out of Ohio State, the safe bet is on him getting there. The Pats have a really good duo here."
Patriots' running back tandem lands among the NFL's elite
Stevenson has been solid over his first five NFL seasons. He's a steady and productive back whose only deficiency has been a propensity to fumble. That was starkly exhibited in 2024 when he put the ball on the ground seven times. Fortunately for him and the team, he bounced back in 2025, limited his fumbles to three (none after Week 5), and had a solid season.
The other back in the duo is Stevenson's polar opposite. Henderson was drafted in the second round to be explosive — the lightning to Stevenson's thunder. He delivered the goods.
After being benched early because of his pass blocking issues, he rebounded later with fireworks. He ran for four touchdowns of 50 yards or more and gained 911 yards on the ground with nine rushing touchdowns. He also added 35 catches for 221 yards and a score. It turned out to be a stellar rookie season.
The Patriots have one of the NFL's best quarterbacks in third-year superstar Drake Maye. Having a top NFL running back tandem to complement him is exactly what the doctor ordered for the Patriots' offense.
It paid off handsomely during New England's 2025 Super Bowl run. Now, with an improved receiving corps featuring A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, the sky is the limit for the 2026 Patriots.
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