After representing the AFC in the Super Bowl in February, the New England Patriots are getting ready to kick off the 2026 NFL season on Wednesday. Making this matchup even more fun is that it’s a rematch of Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks.
Yet, as the game approaches, it’s looking more and more likely that starting running back TreVeyon Henderson won’t be available.
TreVeyon Henderson May Not Play in Week 1
Even though he was a rookie last season, the Patriots relied on Henderson a lot, leading the team with 215 touches.
Last year, Henderson tallied 911 rushing yards and nine touchdowns despite starting just four games for the Patriots, ranking at number 11 on PFN’s Running Back Impact Metrics. During the playoffs, though, his numbers took a noticeable dip as well.
Now heading into his second season, the Patriots have been expected to give the 2025 second-round pick an even bigger role. Yet now he’s battling an ankle injury that he suffered on Aug. 24 and hasn’t been able to practice since.
With the Patriots set to play on Wednesday, Dr. Jesse Morse suggests Henderson is “running out of time” to get healthy enough to perform.
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“TreVeyon Henderson update
Another DNP (did not practice) today.
The Patriots are scheduled to leave for Seattle on Sunday after their practice.
Henderson hasn’t practiced since suffering his ankle injury on 8/24, that’s 12 days.
“He’s running out of time to get healthy (enough to play).”
TreVeyon Henderson update
Another DNP (did not practice) today.
The Patriots are scheduled to leave for Seattle on Sunday after their practice.
Henderson hasn’t practiced since suffering his ankle injury on 8/24, that’s 12 days.
He’s running out of time to get healthy… https://t.co/d1TRNlnyT7
— Jesse Morse, M.D. (@DrJesseMorse) September 5, 2026
As Patriots writer Alex Conti noted, Henderson’s ankle injury is “lingering.”
“Still no #Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson today at practice. Seems that ankle injury is lingering.”
ESPN’s Sam Block simply reacted with, “Sheesh.”
Sheesh
— Sam Block (@theblockspot) September 5, 2026
Another commenter noted that Henderson will likely have to return to practice in the next few days if he’s still hoping to play on Wednesday.
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“TreVeyon Henderson still missing from practice but previous reports were that he looks ‘fine’ walking around. This is technically part of the real week, so practicing within a few days will be key.”
TreVeyon Henderson still missing from practice but previous reports were that he looks “fine” walking around
This is technically part of the real week, so practicing within a few days will be key https://t.co/tNPuBKZ3dX
— Zain Dhanani (@DhananiZain) September 5, 2026
Another doctor, Jeff Mueller, added that the “slip” Henderson initially suffered in practice must have been more than the team made it out to be.
“Welp… I suppose that little ankle ‘slip‘ in the wet field wasn’t just nothing. Treveyon Henderson not practicing again today. Still has 3 days though with the game on Wednesday.”
Welp… I suppose that little ankle “slip” in the wet field wasn’t just nothing.
Treveyon Henderson not practicing again today. Still has 3 days though with the game on Wednesday. https://t.co/CUeiY5hzuO
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) September 5, 2026
If Henderson’s ankle injury doesn’t clear up quickly, the Patriots could be without their leading rusher for the Super Bowl rematch.
That’s obviously not an ideal situation for Mike Vrabel’s squad in Week 1.
