Henderson ($5,200) missed last week’s regular season opener vs. Seahawks with an ankle injury. However, the back is making some progress and is expected to “do some more” at practice Wednesday, per HC Mike Vrabel, ahead of Sunday’s home opener vs. the Steelers.
If Henderson gets some limited sessions in this week, he may play Sunday, but if the back does suit up, should fantasy owners be starting Henderson?
TreVeyon Henderson’s Week 2 Outlook
There are multiple concerns about Henderson if he makes his season debut. First off, is the injury. Henderson has been dealing with this ankle issue since late August and it’s hard to imagine the Patriots’ coaching staff lets him see much work if he plays. Rather, they will likely ease Henderson back into action and give him more touches each week.
Plus, there are concerns about Henderson’s role regardless of the ankle injury. While the second-round pick from last year’s NFL draft has flashed huge upside when given a sizeable workload, word around Patriots’ training camp this summer was that Rhamondre Stevenson ($5,700) is still the lead back for this offense, which was the case last season.
In their 18 games together between the regular season and playoffs, Stevenson out-carried Henderson 188-163 and out-targeted him 52-36. Snaps-wise, Stevenson almost doubled Henderson with 64.8% and 36.3% snap rates, respectively.
Henderson seeing more work in his sophomore season makes sense and should happen, but when he is healthy, which isn’t the case right now. Henderson seeing 10-12 touches behind Stevenson feels like the most Henderson could see this Sunday vs. the Steelers if he plays and to make matters worse, this isn’t an ideal matchup.
Pittsburgh is PFF’s highest graded rush defense following Week 1 after the Steelers gave up just 3.9 YPC to the Falcons in last Sunday’s season opener. All things considered, Henderson can’t be trusted if he plays and benching him is the right move for Week 2.
