Just as TreVeyon Henderson gave New England Patriots fans the explosive performance they had been waiting for, a new worry emerged. The rookie running back delivered a game-winning, 69-yard touchdown on Sunday.
Still, he appeared on the team’s injury report just a day later, casting doubt on his availability for a crucial Week 11 matchup against the New York Jets.
How Serious Is TreVeyon Henderson’s Knee Injury?
Henderson was listed as a limited participant on Monday’s injury report because of a knee injury. The issue occurred late in the third quarter of Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when defensive end YaYa Diaby rolled up on him along the sideline. Despite the scare, Henderson not only returned to the game but seemed to prove his knee was fine by breaking free for a game-changing 69-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
The performance highlighted the potential of the rookie from Ohio State, ranked as the No. 22 running back in PFSN’s 2025 NFL running back impact rankings, with a 75.5 (C) score. Through the 2025 campaign, Henderson has carried the ball 81 times for 430 yards and three touchdowns, adding 21 catches on 25 targets for 134 yards.
Henderson’s breakout game in Week 10 could make it difficult for head coach Mike Vrabel to keep him off the field. With increased opportunity, he played 84% of the offensive snaps against Tampa Bay, turning 14 carries into 147 yards and two touchdowns while catching one pass for three yards. Before this game, he had primarily played behind veteran Rhamondre Stevenson, splitting time with Antonio Gibson and Terrell Jennings.
His heavy usage was a direct result of injuries elsewhere in the backfield. The rookie saw a significant increase in playing time because Stevenson missed a second consecutive game with a toe injury, and Gibson is on season-ending injured reserve. While Henderson was expected to split snaps with Jennings, that plan was short-lived, as Jennings also left the game early with a knee injury.
This situation creates a tough decision for the coaching staff. Even though Stevenson has held the starting job all season, he has been far less efficient than Henderson, averaging only 3.4 yards per carry. That inefficiency is reflected in his ranking as dead last among 43 qualified running backs in PFSN’s 2025 NFL running back impact rankings, with a score of 61.1 (D-). However, Vrabel trusts the veteran in pass protection, and the team’s success is hard to argue with, as the Patriots lead the AFC East with an 8-2 record.
Looking ahead to Week 11, the Patriots’ backfield is riddled with uncertainty. Stevenson, Jennings, and Henderson were all listed as limited participants in Monday’s practice, making their status for the upcoming game against the Jets unclear.
The short week, with a game on Thursday Night Football, further complicates the recovery timeline for all three players. As the week progresses, fans and fantasy managers will be watching the practice reports closely to see who will be healthy enough to line up next to quarterback Drake Maye.