The practice absence is a tad alarming, with just five days until the New England Patriots season opener at Seattle.
Running back TreVeyon Henderson was not at practice on Thursday during the media portion, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss. Henderson, who reportedly has an ankle issue, has not been seen on the practice field since August 24.
What are the ramifications if Henderson can’t go?
Rhamondre to shoulder the load
Well, first and foremost, Rhamondre Stevenson becomes the featured back, potentially playing the bulk of the snaps on all three downs.
Obviously, having not seen the field in the preseason, Stevenson is fresh. And he’s proven through his career for short stints, he can handle the workload.
Still, Henderson offers a “big-play” capability that Stevenson doesn’t have.
Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Is Haskins the next man up?
Secondly, and maybe more importantly, the Patriots need to find a reliable option from the remaining guys.
Even though Corey Kiner is on the active roster and Hassan Haskins is on the practice squad, expect the latter to be elevated to the game-day roster if Henderson is unavailable.
Haskins is the more seasoned option and has spent more time in the New England fold.
“Whatever the coaches need me to do, I’m going to do it – special teams, run the ball, block. I’m going to give it my all,” said Haskins recently. “Just do whatever it takes to win.”
Kiner, who had 12 carries for 58 yards over the final four games with Arizona a year ago, would likely dress as well as the third back.
Henderson has been durable
Henderson is coming off a fine rookie season in which he played in all 17 regular season games, plus all four playoff games.
During the regular season he ran 180 times for 911 yards, 5.1 yards per carry. He added 35 catches for 221 yards.
The postseason was a bit of a different story. Henderson slowed to a crawl with 30 carries for 76 yards and five catches for 33 more.
