New England Patriots - NESN.com
The Patriots finally might’ve found their next elite passing-down running back.
New England has struggled to fill a spot previously held by the likes of James White, Kevin Faulk, Shane Vereen and Danny Woodhead. Ever since White suffered a serious hip injury early in the 2021 season, the Patriots have received middling-at-best production from their third-down/receiving backs.
But TreVeyon Henderson might change the narrative. Selected 38th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Ohio State product reportedly has excelled throughout training camp and appears primed for a large role in Josh McDaniels’ offense.
Following Monday’s practice, NFL insider Jordan Schultz offered insight into how the Patriots really feel about Henderson.
“There’s a lot of excitement within Patriots circles about rookie RB TreVeyon Henderson,” Schultz wrote in an X post. “Everyone knew about his home-run speed and explosiveness, but multiple team sources have also emphasized his elite pass-catching and pass-protection abilities. Words like ‘special’ and ‘difference-maker’ have been used to describe him.
“Surely feels like New England has a super dynamic young back for Drake Maye to lean on.”
Schultz’s report coincided with multiple Patriots reporters praising Henderson for his performance in Monday’s practice. Greg Bedard of Boston Sports Journal put Henderson in the “Three Up” section of his practice report.
“Had two touchdowns in team (periods) where on successive series, he dusted Robert Spillane and then Christian Elliss on wheel routes,” Bedard wrote. “And Henderson also had a rushing touchdown on an option play. His speed is a problem.”
The Patriots will hold a walkthrough practice on Tuesday before hosting the Commanders for a joint practice on Wednesday. New England and Washington will meet Friday at Gillette Stadium for their respective preseason openers.
