The New England Patriots are rolling, and Sunday’s 33-15 win over the New York Giants was just the latest chapter in what’s shaping up to be a strong late-season push. Now sitting at 11-2 and still holding a comfortable two-game lead atop the AFC East, the Patriots look like a team built for January. But even with the wins stacking up, there’s one position group that’s looking thinner by the week: running back.
The latest blow came when Terrell Jennings exited the Giants game with a head injury. He didn’t log a carry before leaving, and while the team has listed him as questionable, any extended absence would leave the backfield depth chart dangerously shallow. With Antonio Gibson already out for the season and Rhamondre Stevenson struggling to make a consistent impact, the Patriots are leaning heavily on rookie TreVeyon Henderson-and so far, he’s delivering.
Henderson’s Emergence as RB1
Let’s start with the good news: the Patriots still managed to churn out 119 rushing yards against the Giants, despite a patchwork offensive line and a depleted backfield. The star of the ground game was Henderson, who continues to prove he’s not just ready for the spotlight-he belongs in it.
The rookie took 11 carries for 67 yards, averaging an impressive 6.1 yards per tote. That kind of efficiency, especially behind a line that’s been anything but dominant, speaks volumes about Henderson’s vision, burst, and ability to create yards after contact.
Compare that with Stevenson, who had 40 yards on 12 carries-a 3.3-yard average-and it’s becoming increasingly clear who should be getting the bulk of the work moving forward. Stevenson’s issues with ball security and inconsistency have opened the door, and Henderson is sprinting through it.
Depth Concerns Loom Large
Here’s the problem: beyond Henderson and Stevenson, the Patriots are running out of options. With Gibson already sidelined since Week 5 and now Jennings potentially out, the team’s running back depth is hanging by a thread. If Henderson were to go down, the offense would be in a very precarious spot.
There are a couple of veterans on the practice squad-D’Ernest Johnson and Craig Reynolds-who could be elevated if needed, but neither offers the upside or explosiveness that Henderson brings. And while Stevenson remains serviceable, he hasn’t shown the consistency or ball security to be trusted as a lead back in a playoff push.
A Missed Opportunity at the Trade Deadline
Head coach Mike Vrabel has received plenty of praise this season, and rightfully so. His offseason moves helped solidify both sides of the ball, with key additions at wide receiver, along the offensive line, and across the defense.
But one area he didn’t address beyond drafting Henderson in the second round? Running back depth.
And that’s where things get tricky. After Gibson’s injury early in the season, the need for another reliable back became apparent.
Yet the Patriots stood pat at the trade deadline. No reinforcements came, and now, with Jennings hurt, that decision could come back to bite them.
It’s one of the few personnel missteps Vrabel has made this year, but it’s a significant one. In a league where depth can make or break a playoff run, especially at a physically demanding position like running back, the Patriots are walking a tightrope.
The Path Forward
The good news is that Henderson looks like a long-term solution. He’s already racked up 625 rushing yards on the season, averaging 4.8 yards per carry with five touchdowns.
He’s shown the kind of explosiveness that can flip a game, even without perfect blocking in front of him. And perhaps most importantly, he takes care of the football-something that’s been a sore spot for Stevenson.
It’s clear now that the coaching staff waited too long to give Henderson the reins. Early in the season, he was underutilized, perhaps due to rookie hesitancy or a desire to ease him in.
But the difference in the offense when he’s on the field is obvious. He’s the most dynamic back on the roster, and at this point, he needs to be treated as such.
Looking ahead, Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will have to consider bolstering the running back room this offseason-likely with more than just one addition. If Stevenson is moved or released, which seems increasingly likely, the Patriots will need a reliable veteran presence behind Henderson, someone who can step in if needed without a significant drop-off.
But for now, the Patriots’ playoff hopes rest heavily on the shoulders of their rookie back. If he stays healthy, New England has the pieces to make a deep run. If not, the lack of depth could be the Achilles’ heel of an otherwise well-rounded roster.
In a season where so much has gone right, the running back room remains the one area where the margin for error is razor-thin.