The Patriots’ backfield has gone from thin to precarious in a hurry, and that reality could push New England into the running back market before the Nov. 10 trade deadline.
In the span of a few days, the team lost two key pieces. TreVeyon Henderson posted on social media last week that he had been hospitalized with a neurological condition. Neither Henderson nor the team has said how long he might be sidelined, but he remains on the active roster.
Then came Monday night’s report that Rhamondre Stevenson is dealing with a plantoris tendon issue in the back of his knee. That injury is expected to keep him out for several weeks, which would include the Patriots’ Week 10 game in Germany and the bye that follows.
That leaves New England with Corey Kiner and Lan Larison at running back, plus Terrell Jennings on the practice squad.
Before the injuries to Henderson and Stevenson, the Patriots already could have been weighing a move for a back. Now the need looks far more urgent for a team trying to build a more competitive offense down the stretch.
On Monday, Mike Vrabel made clear he wants the roster to keep improving.
"I want to see us do anything that we can with the roster that we have or potentially guys that aren't here, to continue to improve," he said.
This year’s trade deadline has opened up a deeper pool of running backs than usual, giving New England a chance to upgrade if it chooses to act. The headliner is Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts, a proven producer with four 1,000-plus yard seasons on his resume. Any team that lands him would be getting an immediate boost from the seventh-year veteran.
The Patriots have been mentioned as favorites for Taylor across several sports books and internet chatter. After the Colts lost to Dallas on Sunday, Taylor appeared to say goodbye to Indianapolis in his postgame media session.
The obstacle is cost. Taylor carries an average cap hit of $17 million over the next two seasons, and he would also require a major trade package, likely including a valuable player and at least a Day 2 pick.
There are less expensive names, too, and some fit New England’s situation more cleanly. Derrick Henry is one option, and his connection to Vrabel from their Tennessee days makes him an obvious name to watch. Henry would bring a physical, downhill element that could help the Patriots offense.
Henry is part of a Baltimore Ravens team that is without its starting and backup quarterbacks, sits in last place in the AFC North, and may be looking ahead under new head coach Jesse Minter.
Another Titans back, Tony Pollard, also fits as a possible target. Pollard is on an expiring contract and has been efficient this season, on pace for more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns. He’s in his eighth season, has five 1,000-yard campaigns, and could come at a lower price because of his age and rental status.
If New England wants only depth or a short-term fix while Stevenson and Henderson recover, there are cheaper names available as well. The Giants, currently in first place in the NFC North, have several running backs dealing with injuries, and Devin Singletary is one veteran with a modest contract who could be available.
The Jaguars have been active in trade talks and could move Ameer Abdullah. Isaiah Davis of the Jets is another possibility, since he is third on New York’s depth chart.
With injuries piling up, the Patriots are expected to explore help at multiple spots before the deadline. Which area gets addressed first remains to be seen, but running back has suddenly become one of the clearest needs on the board.
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Rhamondre Stevensons knee tendon issue has added another layer of concern to an offense already trying to piece itself together around a string of injuries. The Patriots have been dealing with absences and uncertainty at wide receiver and along the offensive line, with A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, Mike Onwenu and Alijah Vera-Tucker all part of the battered picture that has made depth a weekly issue.
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