One of the Patriots’ biggest surprises this season has been the way the run game has disappeared for long stretches. What was supposed to be a dangerous backfield pairing of Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson has instead been a major reason the offense has sputtered, with Drake Maye feeling the effects too.
Henderson, in particular, has become a focal point of the concern. The issues go beyond the offensive line not opening enough room.
He’s been running into his own blockers, struggling to break tackles and not producing the explosive plays that stood out during his rookie season. That has led to real questions about his role in the offense and even whether he could become a trade candidate before the deadline, despite being just in his second year.
There may be another path, though. On Thursday afternoon, special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer suggested Henderson could see more work as a kick returner.
Because Henderson already gets reps in practice in that role, reporters asked Springer whether that might show up on game day soon. Springer didn’t commit to anything, but he said he wants to get Henderson more involved with the third unit if possible. His preseason work in that spot against the Commanders in 2025 helps explain why.
“I think he has potential there. pic.twitter.com/ntiHCmwk99 https://t.co/mufqjeGrRO
- Michael Rodnick (@MJRodnick) October 29, 2026
Early in the season, it would have been hard to picture Josh McDaniels using Henderson on special teams. With Stevenson handling the backfield load, Henderson looked too important to the offense to be deployed elsewhere.
That has changed lately. Henderson’s snap count has dropped to a career low in recent weeks, while Corey Kiner has gotten more carries than expected. That usage pattern says plenty about how McDaniels views Henderson right now.
If that’s the case, putting him back there as a returner starts to make sense. It gives him a chance to operate in space, read things with a little more time and use his speed to create something big. Those have been the kinds of plays he hasn’t been making enough of lately.
The question now is whether he can turn that opportunity into production. The Patriots won’t know unless they actually give him the chance, and at this point, there doesn’t seem to be much to lose.
In Other News...
Drake Maye Just Got Another Reason To Silence NFL Doubters
Drake Maye has already given Patriots fans plenty to like, but the latest round of chatter around the league shows how much work still remains before he is viewed in the same tier as the NFLs most hyped young passers. Sports Illustrateds Albert Breer recently polled general managers, assistant GMs and coordinators on which quarterback they would rather build around for the future, and the answer leaned clearly toward Caleb Williams, a reminder of how strongly league insiders still value upside and flash.
Maye did draw support in the discussion, with some evaluators favoring his personality, sustainability and pocket presence, but the broader sentiment went the other way. Williams got the edge because of his ceiling, creativity and clutch play, which is the kind of profile that tends to carry weight in those rooms. For Maye, the challenge now is the same one facing any promising young quarterback in New England: keep stacking proof until the outside skepticism starts to look outdated. [Read more 🡒]
Patriots Just Opened The Door To A Deadline Move
The Patriots quietly created some breathing room ahead of the trade deadline by restructuring Hunter Henrys contract, a move that signals they are at least keeping their options open. Henry has been both productive and a steadying presence since signing his two-year, $16 million extension before the season, so any adjustment to his deal says as much about the teams broader plans as it does about his standing in the locker room.
For a roster still sorting out where it stands, extra flexibility matters, especially when the deadline is close enough for front offices to start weighing short-term fixes against longer-term patience. New England now has a little more room to work with, and while that does not guarantee a move, it does put the Patriots in position to explore one if the right opportunity surfaces. [Read more 🡒]
Patriots Roster Move Puts New Focus On TreVeyon Henderson
The Patriots added another layer to their backfield mix by promoting second-year running back Lan Larison from the practice squad to the 53-man roster before facing the Dolphins. It is the kind of move that usually flies under the radar, but with the team trying to shore up depth at running back, it brings a little more attention to a group that has already been in flux.
The timing also keeps the focus on TreVeyon Henderson, whose status has been clouded by illness as the Patriots prepare for Miami. Larisons arrival gives New England another option in the room and opens the door for more versatility in the game plan, while the organization continues to project support for Henderson even as outside questions about his future have started to surface. [Read more 🡒]