In a standout performance reminiscent of his preseason debut against the Washington Commanders, TreVeyon Henderson made an immediate impact for the New England Patriots during their recent matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Despite being limited to just nine snaps, the rookie running back showcased his potential by accumulating four touches for a total of 20 yards, including his second touchdown in as many preseason games.
In a crucial moment late in the first quarter, with the Patriots facing a 3rd-and-4 situation, Henderson received a handoff and demonstrated his explosive ability. Behind the blocking of tight end/fullback Jack Westover, the second-round draft pick identified a gap on the left side of the formation. Henderson quickly accelerated, maintaining his balance through contact, and powered into the end zone after an impressive eight-yard run, putting the Patriots ahead 7-0.
After the game, head coach Mike Vrabel lauded Henderson's performance, stating, “He runs hard and protects the ball. Guys were finishing and gave him a little bit of a crease. You don’t need much, and he finds it. It was a good run early in the game.” This sentiment underscores Henderson's growing reputation as a big-play threat capable of capitalizing on any opportunity presented to him.
Beyond his role as a dynamic running back, Henderson also demonstrated his versatility by serving as the first kickoff returner for the Patriots. He gained 26 yards on his single return, a notable statistic despite being a step back from his remarkable 100-yard touchdown return against the Commanders. His contributions on special teams are crucial in the context of the NFL's evolving rules, making his role even more valuable.
Quarterback Drake Maye expressed confidence in Henderson's abilities, stating, “He’s dynamic. I mean, shoot, it’s cool knowing he’s out there on kickoff force, kickoff return.” While Henderson's special teams play is impressive, his primary focus remains on excelling as a running back. With starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson sidelined due to an undisclosed injury, Henderson has embraced the opportunity to shine.
As the Patriots look to maximize Henderson's dynamic skill set, Maye emphasized the importance of finding ways to get the young talent involved in the offense. “Just trying to find ways to get him open in space,” Maye explained. “I think he’s better than teams give him credit for running between the tackles, as you saw today. So, just trying to find ways to give him the football.” With his impressive performances in the preseason, TreVeyon Henderson is poised to become a key player for the New England Patriots as they head into the regular season.
