The New England Patriots are facing a running back depth issue, with second-year backup TreVeyon Henderson initially reported to miss multiple weeks after suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 5.
That might have changed this week, since he was limited at practice over the last two days, but that shouldn't stop the Patriots from looking at their potential trade options before the deadline, just in case.
With the team's RB3 role already creating concern before Henderson went down, the Patriots should consider trading for an experienced veteran to ease the load on starter Rhamondre Stevenson.
Tennessee Titans ball-carrier Tony Pollard would certainly fit that description, and the 2022 Pro Bowl was recently identified as a potential trade target for New England.
Pollard has topped 1,000 rushing yards in each of his last four campaigns, scoring 25 rushing touchdowns over that span, and would likely come on cheap as a soon-to-be 30-year-old back who has just one season remaining on his contract with a rebuilding franchise.
Tony Pollard makes a lot of sense for the Patriots this season
New England's backfield was arguably in need of additional depth going into this year, but Henderson's injury now certainly exacerbates the situation, forcing third-stringer Corey Kiner into a larger role he may not be ready for.
The former Arizona Cardinal is having an up-and-down tenure with the Patriots, managing just 2.1 yards per carry going into Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders, a game in which he lost a nearly costly fumble early, before nearly matching his rushing total from last season (52 yards in the contest, 58 yards in 2025) as the blowout victory progressed.
Bringing in Pollard would give the Patriots a more proven option. The eight-year veteran has recorded 68 carries for 273 yards and a score through the first five games of 2026, earning a Pro Football Focus rushing grade of 73.6, 15th among 44 qualified running backs (while his overall grade is 71.0, 12th).
Pollard can also make an impact as a pass catcher out of the backfield, totaling at least 30 catches and over 200 receiving yards in every campaign since 2021.
What it would take for New England to land Pollard
With the winless Titans at 0-5, moving a veteran player who likely won't be in their plans beyond this season makes sense for the franchise.
The asking price to acquire Pollard's services isn't expected to be all that high either, as NBC Sports Boston's Justin Leger predicts Tennessee would be willing to part with him for not much more than a Day 3 pick.
This might just be a one-year rental, since Pollard will hit free agency in the offseason, but if the Patriots only have to expend something in the range of a conditional sixth-round pick to get him, it would be a move worth making.
In addition to addressing an immediate need in the wake of Henderson's injury, adding Pollard would give New England more dependable depth at running back should further injuries befall this group during a long NFL season.
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