TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) not present on Sunday

Henderson and Rhamonrde Stevenson were bottled up in the first half before the Patriots abandoned the run game in the second half, down by three scores. Henderson nearly broke a couple runs in the first half but was tripped up before a big play could develop. A boom-bust running back option, Henderson will remain big-play dependent in Week 4 against a gettable Buffalo run defense. His lack of pass-game involvement will be an issue in PPR formats.

Henderson was the second running back in the game after Rhamondre Stevenson, but he saw increased opportunity after an early Stevenson fumble. He scored the only offensive touchdown of the game, showcasing his burst on a 39-yard score in the first quarter. Henderson saw 16 touches to Stevenson’s seven and out-snapped the veteran 31 to 18 on the day. The 23-year-old has more speed than Stevenson and it was an encouraging sight to see him get a few red zone snaps amid the backfield split. Henderson benefitted from an early Stevenson fumble and capitalized for a long score; he will be on the RB2/3 borderline for Week 3 against the Jaguars.

Henderson logged a complete week of full practices after missing Week 1 with the ankle injury, returning to the fold to join Rhamondre Stevenson as the top two rushers for the Patriots. The fact that he was able to practice in full for three straight days seems to indicate there won’t be any restrictions with his workload, meaning fantasy managers can start him as a viable FLEX option against the Steelers.

This was already apparent, given his full practice participation, but it is nice to hear. The Patriots will have their RB2 on hand for their second game of the season. Starting RB Rhamondre Stevenson will maintain an RB2-worthy workload, but the Patriots need Henderson to deliver chunk gains. Projecting 10 or so touches for Henderson is reasonable. He is a big-play-based FLEX.

Henderson is now on track to play in Week 2. His return comes at a good time. The Patriots’ offense needs an explosive element. Although veteran RB Rhamondre Stevenson should be expected to remain the starter, the team should be able to get Henderson involved in space. Henderson can be treated as a FLEX this week.

Vrabel told reporters Henderson was expected to practice on Monday, so it sounds like the first steps in his return to play are going as planned. He will presumably be limited for today’s session. Rhamondre Stevenson was dreadfully inefficient in Week 1, averaging 2.8 yards per carry on 18 attempts. The Pats desperately need a spark on offense, and Henderson should give that to them once he’s healthy.

This is an encouraging step forward for Henderson, who has missed the last several weeks of practice due to his injury and was inactive for Week 1 against the Seahawks. Assuming he doesn’t suffer any setbacks this week, Henderson should have a chance to suit up in Week 2 when the Patriots play host to the Steelers.

Kiner served as Rhamondre Stevenson’s backup with TreVeyon Henderson out this week. He was the only other Pats running back to see a carry in this game, though practice squad call-up Lan Larison was targeted twice, both of which he caught. Kiner did not see a look through the air. As a backup running back without any pass-catching value, Kiner is not on the fantasy radar heading into Week 2.

Henderson was ruled out with an ankle injury after not practicing all week. Rhamondre Stevenson will be the workhorse running back for New England, propelling him into the fantasy RB2 conversation. Also inactive for the Patriots are CB Karon Prunty, LB Erick Hunter, OT Walter Rouse, C Ben Brown, WR Efton Chism, and QB Behren Morton.

Henderson did not practice at any point this week and should be considered questionable heading into Week 2’s games. Rhamondre Stevenson will get the bulk of the load against Seattle and should factor into the RB2 equation despite a tough matchup on paper. The Patriots also ruled out Ben Brown (knee), who did not travel with the team to Seattle.