The New England Patriots had incredible injury luck in 2025, but 2026 has been the opposite. IR has gained several notable names this season, including A.J. Brown, Mike Onwenu, Greg Van Roten, and Dell Pettus. Before the season even began, the team also placed swing tackle Marcus Bryant, standout UDFA linebacker Khalil Jacobs, and punter Bryce Baringer on IR.
PUP claims Harold Landry, while Brenden Schooler was on NFI to begin the season.
Just last week, former Bills Reggie Gilliam and Mack Hollins were placed on IR. Aside from those who have spent multiple games on the sideline, Dre'Mont Jones has missed time, while Will Campbell was ruled out on Sunday.
While Campbell's likely omission from the Patriots' matchup against the Jets could be an issue, TreVeyon Henderson's absence could prove an even bigger problem. Henderson left the game with a high ankle sprain, and his replacement, Corey Kiner, fumbled.
With a weakened offensive line and Gilliam set to miss at least the next three games, Henderson's injury only further weakens New England's backfield.
How can the Patriots can remedy their backfield issues?
The Patriots made it clear on Sunday that they prefer passing the ball. Drake Maye has arguably the most impressive game of his career, totaling 399 yards and five touchdowns, including a designed run for his final score.
While New England continuing to throw the ball in the coming weeks shouldn't be a major surprise, consistency in the run game remains key.
On the offensive line, New England replaced Onwenu with Van Roten before placing the former Giant on IR. Walter Rouse, whom the team traded for during roster cutdowns, finished the game at right guard, but Ben Brown earned the starting role for the last two games, and I don't expect that to change.
At left tackle, Caleb Lomu stepped in for Campbell and allowed one pressure on 29 pass-blocking snaps.
At fullback, UDFA Tanner Arkin claimed Gilliam's role as a lead blocker, matching his Week 3 total of 15 offensive snaps, six of which came in the backfield. The rookie appears to have taken on Jack Westover's old hybrid role.
Replicating Henderson's production will be key for the offense moving forward
If Lomu, Brown, and Arkin hold up for the next few games, the Patriots' backs won't have much reason not to provide at least passable production. Despite Kiner's fumble, he had a strong game, rushing six times for 52 yards.
While the Raiders' rushing defense is poor (ranked 27th coming into the game), 8.7 YPC is hard to ignore. Even without his longest 32-yard run, he still maintained a solid 4.0 average.
An uptick in snaps and carries for Rhamondre Stevenson will be New England's primary way to replace Henderson, but I expect Kiner to be in the 4-6 carry range until he returns. Furthermore, Drake Maye's designed run on the goal line could become a more consistent part of the offense when the team needs a spark.
When Henderson missed Week 1, New England turned to practice squad player Lan Larison to fill in. He played just three snaps on offense and six on special teams, but caught two passes and returned two kicks. His catches netted nine yards.
One intriguing break-glass-in-case-of-emergency option is Jamaal Williams, whom the team brought in for a workout after their matchup against the Bills. Williams hasn't taken a carry since January 2025, when he ran for 8 carries and 15 yards against the Buccaneers while with the Saints.
Williams averaged under 3.2 YPC and managed just two touchdowns during his two seasons with the Saints. However, 2022 with the Lions was a career year. Williams reached 1,000 yards for the first time while setting a franchise record with 17 rushing touchdowns, all while maintaining a 4.1 YPC average.
At this point, the 31-year-old would offer little more than a horse in the stable to spell Stevenson, but he'd be a worthwhile practice-squad addition for a team that's both thin and inexperienced at running back. Together, Kiner and Larison have just 70 career offensive snaps.
Whether through a scheme change, expanded use of in-house options, or bringing in Williams, the Patriots need to ensure their running game stays afloat while Henderson recovers over the next month or so.
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