The New England Patriots open their 2026 season with a Super Bowl rematch against the Seattle Seahawks, but New England could be missing one of its most explosive offensive weapons. Running back TreVeyon Henderson has missed five straight practices, and his availability for Week 1 is looking increasingly unlikely.

Andrew Callahan reported that Henderson was absent from practice for the fifth consecutive session. That kind of extended absence heading into the regular season opener doesn’t bode well for his chances of suiting up against Seattle.

Corey Kiner set to step into larger role

So the immediate question becomes: who fills the void if Henderson can’t go? Rhamondre Stevenson will be the bell cow in New England’s backfield, but the player who stands to benefit most is second-year running back Corey Kiner. Kiner spent his first NFL season with the Arizona Cardinals before landing with the Patriots. He played at LSU before transferring to Cincinnati in college, and he clearly made an impression on the coaching staff to earn a roster spot.

Now Kiner could find himself with a significant opportunity right out of the gate in Week 1 against a Seahawks defense that ranks among the best in the NFL.

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Patriots have enough firepower to weather the absence

The truth is, New England has built a roster capable of absorbing a blow like this. Quarterback Drake Maye enters Year 3 with more weapons around him than he’s ever had. AJ Brown leads the wide receiver room, and Romeo Doubs gives the Patriots another proven pass-catcher on the outside. That combination should help lighten the load Maye will carry if Henderson is unavailable.

The Patriots made the Super Bowl last season, and the expectation is that this roster has progressed since then. Losing Henderson for the opener stings, but it shouldn’t derail the offense entirely. Stevenson is a capable lead back, and the passing game has enough talent to keep Seattle’s defense honest.

Henderson’s Week 1 outlook

Missing five straight practices with the season just getting underway suggests the Patriots want to make sure Henderson is fully healthy before putting him back on the field. Coming off a long season that stretched into the Super Bowl, New England’s approach appears cautious.

It doesn’t look good for Henderson’s Week 1 chances, and the Patriots seem content to take their time with his return rather than risk a setback early in the year.

For now, Patriots fans should feel confident that Stevenson, Kiner, Brown, Doubs, and a maturing Maye give New England enough to compete in what should be a charged atmosphere for this Super Bowl rematch in Seattle.