TreVeyon

Henderson

Henderson helped run out the clock with a 15-yard run up the middle at the end of the game. He largely played the sidekick role while RB Rhamondre Stevenson stole the show, though. Henderson’s best play of the day was a pass-protection pickup on TE Hunter Henry’s 28-yard touchdown. Chargers LB Daiyan Henley blitzed through a wide-open lane up the middle, and Henderson put a hard hit on him, sending the linebacker spinning down to the ground in front of QB Drake Maye. Henderson will likely have an easier time producing against the Steelers, rather than the Texans, though we will not know which team he will face until tomorrow night’s game concludes.

The multi-score game on the ground was the fourth of Henderson’s excellent rookie season. He somehow got out-scored 3-2 by Rhamondre Stevenson, but Henderson won the touches battle, as he now does more weeks than not. Henderson’s emergence and Stevenson’s increased efficiency since returning from his ankle injury in Week 12 has combined to make the Patriots’ backfield one of the most formidable in the league, or at least amongst the playoff field. Henderson and company will face the Chargers at home in the Wild Card Round.

Rhamondre Stevenson got the start and saw all three of the Pats’ carries on their opening drive. Henderson was on the field for the next drive, but Stevenson’s role on the first series foreshadowed his dominance of the touches that matter. He would go on to score at the goal line in the first quarter and picked up a receiving touchdown at the top of the second frame. He finished the day with five catches while Henderson did not log a target. Henderson remains the Pats’ top back in fantasy, but the lack of high-value touches will keep him parked at the back of the RB2 ranks for Week 18 versus Miami.

Henderson came into the weekend listed as questionable for the team’s Week 17 game against the Jets but has since been cleared by an independent neurologist. Expect no limitations as he forms a committee with established veteran Rhamondre Stevenson. Henderson’s per-touch upside keep him in the upside-RB2 discussion for fantasy Championship week.

Henderson shed his non-contact jersey on Friday and will have a chance to suit up for Sunday’s game against the Jets. Henderson still needs to clear concussion protocol to get on the field, but the decision to list him as questionable suggests the team believes he will be able to clear protocol in time. His status remains one to watch, but if he is clear, Henderson will be on the fantasy radar as a high-end RB2 in a plus matchup against the Jets. While Henderson is questionable, the Patriots also did rule out OG Jared Wilson (concussion).

It’s the clearest signal we’ve had this week that Henderson will have a chance to clear concussion protocol before Week 17’s game against the Jets. The rookie running back was limited in both Wednesday and Thursday’s practices, but could be trending toward a return before the weekend. The Patriots should release their final injury report in the next couple of hours, so Henderson’s name will be one to watch when that is announced. If he is unable to go, Rhamondre Stevenson would be in line for a big workload against one of the league’s worst run defenses.

It’s an estimate because of the holiday. Henderson participated in warmups Wednesday in the open part of practice, and if he can clear the protocol, he’ll be the top offensive option that could be down several receivers in Week 17 against the Jets. Rhamondre Stevenson would be the bellcow if Henderson misses the contest.

Henderson participated in warmups with the team during the portion of practice open to the media. We do not know whether Henderson did much in practice beyond that. Players often miss at least one game after suffering brain injuries, so his early-week participation is an encouraging sign for his Week 17 availability. Patriots veteran RB Rhamondre Stevenson should be rostered at this time, just in case Stevenson is unable to clear the NFL’s concussion protocol.

Henderson suffered the head injury in the first half on Sunday night against the Ravens and did not return to the game. He could very well miss Week 17 against a miserable Jets defense that has been more than generous to opposing backs in recent weeks. Rhamondre Stevenson, who had eight carries for 51 yards and a touchdown against Baltimore in Week 16, would profile as a must-play option in 12-team formats if Henderson is sidelined. Both backs are in play for Week 17 if Henderson clears the protocol and suits up against the Jets.

Henderson had his head hit the turf hard on a routine tackle in the second quarter and was evaluated for a concussion. The team initially failed to provide an update after the half but the rookie back was ruled out half way through the third quarter. Henderson managed three yards on five carries and nine yards on one reception prior to departing. Rhamondre Stevenson figures to factor heavily into the second half game plan in a tight game.