The NFL season is nearing its end. As happens every year, injuries are rearing their ugly heads. As fantasy football managers prepare to set Week 17 lineups, it’s important to stay informed on the latest injury news. TreVeyon Henderson is working his way through the concussion protocol. What is his current status and outlook for this week?
Is TreVeyon Henderson Playing Week 17?
Henderson suffered a concussion in Sunday’s win over the Baltimore Ravens and was placed in the league’s concussion protocol after exiting in the second quarter. The rookie running back banged the back of his head on the ground while being tackled, marking his first documented NFL concussion.
League data and recent history show that players typically miss at least one game after entering the protocol, which immediately put his Week 17 outlook in serious doubt.
The first practice report of the week provided at least a small dose of optimism. Henderson was on the field Wednesday in a red no-contact jersey and was listed as a limited participant, confirming he had progressed to the early stages of the return-to-play process. A DNP to open the week would have effectively sealed his fate for Sunday, but simply being out there in any capacity kept the door open for a potential return.
Henderson remained limited on Thursday while continuing to wear the red non-contact jersey as he advanced through the concussion protocol.
The significant breakthrough came on Friday when Henderson shed the non-contact jersey and practiced in a regular jersey, which signaled he had taken a major step forward. The Patriots listed Henderson as a full participant in Friday’s practice, completing the critical progression needed to have a realistic chance at clearance.
Henderson carries a questionable designation on the final injury report, but he cleared the concussion protocol and will play against the New York Jets.
Henderson’s Fantasy Football Outlook
TreVeyon Henderson has gone from cuttable bust to OROY favorite to injured at the worst possible time. Whatever take you had on him coming out of the draft has been right at moments and wrong for others, making him an interesting discussion point for 2026.
MORE:Â Free Fantasy Football Start/Sit Optimizer
As for this week, there are concussion protocols to navigate after the rookie was banged up in the second quarter against the Ravens. Every player seems to jump through these hoops at a different speed, so we can’t say for certain how this situation will play out when looking through a Week 17 lens, but with the Pats owning a 12-3 record and comfortable in their other running back, I’m trending toward us not getting the opportunity to make a Henderson call this weekend.
First Quarter Participation Data at Ravens
- Rhamondre Stevenson: 10 snaps, 5 routes, 2 touches
- Henderson: 6 snaps, 2 routes, 3 touches (two red zone)
Even with the flashes shown, New England has refused to fully commit, making this a dangerous click even if he were to navigate protocols quickly.
I’d make other plans and only pivot if we get concrete reporting that he is expected to be a full-go this Sunday (Stevenson settles in as a nice RB2 under the assumption that Henderson sits).
— Kyle Soppe, PFSN Fantasy Analyst
