Coming into the 2025 season, there were ample indications that the Patriots had landed an electric playmaker by picking second-round running back TreVeyon Henderson, a guy who looked as though he would contribute immediately as a rookie and perhaps even take over the every-down duties from Rhamondre Stevenson sooner rather than later.
That’s not quite how things have played out, though. Henderson has struggled with pass protection, which is one reason his snap count has fluctuated. While he has been far more sure-handed than the fumble-prone Stevenson, the coaching staff clearly does not trust him.
Henderson has gained 121 yards on 32 attempts, and has 15 catches for 90 yards. For an offense that ranks 27th in rushing yards, he’s been run-of-the-mill. But now, the injury to Stevenson’s primary backup, Antonio Gibson–out with an ACL tear suffered in Week 5–could nudge the Patriots into finally using Henderson more.
Patriots’ Josh McDaniels: ‘Trying to Prepare Every Guy’
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was asked about reacting to the Gibson injury this week, and said he hoped that those who will replace him are “prepared.”
“Whenever a guy gets injured, you never know exactly how long they’re going to be out and all the rest of it. But certainly, we’re trying to prepare every guy to play when it’s his turn. We’ll see how that plays out here,” McDaniels said.
“You hate it for any of the players who work so hard to put themselves in position to have a great season, any guy who goes down with any injury big or small, it’s tough. It’s tough for them, most importantly.”
GettyOffensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is making a major change for the New England Patriots.
TreVeyon Henderson Was the ‘Best Player’ in Camp
Henderson had some eye-opening moments in training camp, and while some have downplayed the expectations that were on him coming into the season, we should remember that it was only about six weeks ago that he was having his praises sung.
In fact, NBC Sports Boston’s insider Phil Perry, after camp had wrapped up, named Henderson the “Best Player” of the New England summer.
“I’m as surprised as you are that a rookie second-round pick, a running back of all positions, was the best player in camp,” Perry said at the time. “But on a roster that is really lacking in terms of explosive game-changing talents, I think Henderson is one already. He’s shown that in camp.”
And remember, CLNS and insider Mike Giardi declared Henderson the “MVP” of Patriots camp.
Patriots Have Not Gotten Big Plays From TreVeyon Henderson Yet
We haven’t seen that yet. Perhaps the Gibson injury is a precursor to Henderson’s breakout. Either way, the Patriots need a jolt from the run game, both from the offensive line and from the guys carrying the ball.
McDaniels said he doesn’t think there is a quick answer to the team’s ground-game issues. But he thinks they’ll get solved.
“I don’t think there is any shortcut there,” he said. “It’s not for a lack of effort on anybody’s part. I think you just gotta keep working at it. That sometimes is a little bit of a process that comes behind the passing game, at times. Time on task, time in pads that we’re continuing to work on. Patience is important in that regard and not abandoning things and looking for one answer here or there.”
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