TreVeyon Henderson hasn’t practiced for the New England Patriots since Aug. 24 after injuring his right ankle, but the latest update on his status for Wednesday night’s season opener at Seattle was surprisingly encouraging.
According to Mike Reiss, Henderson avoided being ruled out for Week 1, with only reserve interior offensive lineman Ben Brown getting that designation. The team notably included the line "did not travel" with Brown's status on their official injury report.
Those three words not appearing next to Henderson's name could end up being a game-changer.
“Notably, RB TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) has not been downgraded,” Reiss wrote, “indicating he traveled with the team.”
TreVeyon Henderson making the trip to Seattle keeps the door open for a game-time decision
For Patriots fans (and fantasy football managers), Henderson making the trip to Seattle was a pleasant surprise. New England held practices on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, and Henderson was held out on all three days. Typically, that leads to a player being ruled out.
Head coach Mike Vrabel provided this update prior to Monday's practice.
"We'll see how he feels today. We'll see if he can do anything. He's been working extremely hard to come back, and we'll see where that goes here today. We do have a few more days before, but we'll just see what he's able to do today."
To say the Patriots need Henderson for their Super Bowl LX rematch would be an understatement. Rhamondre Stevenson is likely set to handle a workhorse load against the Seahawks regardless, but the team has little change-of-pace depth behind Henderson.
Second-year pro Corey Kiner, a former UDFA who was acquired in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals at the end of training camp, would be the next man up if Henderson can’t go. How much Kiner would be able to handle after practicing with the Patriots for the first time on Aug. 31 is a major question mark.
Henderson making the trip at least hints that his injury may not be as limiting as his practice absences suggested. He’s probably a lot closer to returning than his practice participation would indicate, meaning the 11 days of rest after this week's game should serve him well.
Henderson wasn’t much of a factor against Seattle in Super Bowl LX, rushing six times for 19 yards. His true value against the Seahawks' zone-heavy scheme comes through the air. He caught all three of his targets, turning one of them into a 24-yard gain.
The Patriots would miss Henderson's threat as a receiver most if he's unable to go on Wednesday — but this decision appears poised to come down to the wire.
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