The New England Patriots are playing in the AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos, and Hunter Henry had a rough start. The tight end has been one of the best offensive players for the Patriots during this season, but failed to start the game well.
Hunter Henry Injury Update
Henry had no impact in the first half against the Broncos. He had just one reception for three yards on two targets. In the first half, Maye threw 14 passes against a strong defense from Denver, but he often looked away from his tight end.
He also had an unimpactful performance against the Houston Texans during the Divisional Round. Henry ended the previous game with two targets, one reception, and just five yards.
As the weather changed and a snowstorm fell on the field, the passing game became less effective for both teams. Henry still found a way to be useful, with another important reception in a drive that ended in points for New England. But his stats were far below his regular-season production.
Congratulations to Hunter Henry on being selected as a Man of the Year nominee for the Patriots.
WOULD BE NICE IF YOU MADE A PLAY THOUGH.
— Boston Cream 🍩 (@BostonCream) January 25, 2026
Despite playing away from home, the Patriots entered the game as favorites. The Broncos lost quarterback Bo Nix during the Divisional Round to an ankle injury. He underwent surgery and is out for the year; a dispute between Drake Maye and Jarrett Stidham is nothing less than a mismatch.
Stidham was ineffective for most of the game. He completed a few plays, but his situation wasn’t helped by the heavy snowfall, which hurt the passing games of both teams. Of course, this was a positive development for Denver; New England couldn’t use their starter quarterback at his best.
Fans were upset about Henry’s performance. For the second straight game, he could not be a difference maker in the playoffs. His experience was a plus for the offense. Maye is only in his second season, while players such as Will Campbell and TreVeyon Henderson are still rookies. Henry, on the other hand, has been in the league since 2016.
Ultimately, given how snow affected the game, no one will care about his lack of involvement in the passing game. What matters in the end of the day is making it to the Super Bowl, and the Patriots have a prime opportunity.
