Henderson Unlikely Week 1; Stevenson Leads Pats

TreVeyon Henderson looks more unlikely by the day for Week 1 after another official DNP Sunday with the ankle that has kept him out since about Aug. 24. The Patriots open Wednesday night at Seattle. That is not a soft landing for a back who has not practiced in nearly two weeks.

Mike Florio at Pro Football Talk flagged Henderson on New England's first official injury report of the season. Sporting News and ESPN's Mike Reiss have framed him as a long shot who would hand the bulk of the work to Rhamondre Stevenson if he cannot go. That is the new week-of angle after earlier practice-miss notes. Saturday's miss already raised the alarm. Sunday made the opener look even thinner.

Stevenson, Kiner, and a practice-squad bump

Stevenson is the clear lead if Henderson sits. Corey Kiner is the only other running back on the 53. Hassan Haskins or Lan Larison could come up from the practice squad for depth. Reiss has noted Stevenson was already projected for the heavier early-down share even when both were healthy, including a 46-to-25 snap split in last year's opener.

Henderson's 2025 resume is why this hurts: 911 rushing yards, nine rushing touchdowns, 35 catches, 221 receiving yards, and one receiving score, per ESPN's Week 1 depth reporting. He played every regular-season and playoff game as a rookie. An ankle that will not let him practice three days out changes the script fast.

Barmore and Brown also DNP

Sunday's report also listed defensive tackle Christian Barmore (knee) and offensive lineman Ben Brown (knee) as DNPs. Barmore had practiced Saturday, so rest is possible. The Tuesday designation is the one that locks questionable, doubtful, or out. For fantasy managers and bettors staring at Lumen Field on Wednesday, Stevenson is the back to price in first while Henderson's ankle stays quiet.