Can a 23-Year-Old RB Return with a Vengeance in the 2026 Patriots Week Two Matchup?
The New England Patriots are ready to bounce back in Week Two in their matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. It was reported yesterday that the Patriots will see 23-year-old running back TreVeyon Henderson on the field for the first time this season, as the 2025 National Champion missed New England’s season opener with an ankle injury. Henderson said on Thursday, "I'm ready to go. Thank God I'm healed up now. I'm excited to be back out here with my teammates."
This is big news for the Patriots, who lost wide receiver A.J. Brown for a minimum of four games as he is also dealing with an ankle injury. With the loss of their three-time Pro Bowl receiver, Henderson comes back in his first game of the season with a big task at hand: to make sure New England’s offense under Drake Maye is a complete turnaround from their Week One blunder in Seattle against the Seahawks. He’ll need to return with a vengeance. The 23-year-old showcased why he was a National Champion in 2025 last season. On 180 attempts, Henderson rushed for 911 yards, averaging five yards per carry and 54 yards a game. The 2025 National Champion finished the season with nine rushing touchdowns while also catching for 221 receiving yards and one receiving TD. In just his sophomore season, the 23-year-old is ready to break out.
The dynamic running back duo of Henderson and 28-year-old running back Rhamondre Stevenson is a double-headed monster, and that could be showcased even more this season for the Patriots, especially now with the injury to Brown. While there are questions about receiver Romeo Doubs after his miserable Week One performance, New England can feel a little sign of relief as they have two great backs who can run and catch the football for big plays. Having Henderson and Stevenson as potential throwing targets for Maye could give the Patriots a third running back, Corey Kiner, who was traded from the Arizona Cardinals near the end of the preseason, a chance to shine in Week Two. Regardless, Patriots fans should feel a little more at ease heading into Sunday’s afternoon game at Gillette Stadium.
