TreVeyon Henderson got off to a slow start through the first month of the season. After a promising showing in the preseason, he found himself third on the running back depth chart. Rhamondre Stevenson has been the workhorse in the Patriots’ backfield since 2021, and Antonio Gibson was a reliable option for the team in 2024. Fans and media were both left wanting to see more of Henderson, especially after the first few weeks when Stevenson’s well-documented fumbling woes were becoming an issue early on.
Henderson stayed patient. He got very few touches on offense and was used primarily as a kick returner. An unfortunate ACL injury to Antonio Gibson allowed Henderson to get more involved in the offense, although he was still second fiddle to Stevenson. Rhamondre Stevenson then suffered a turf toe injury, which forced the Patriots to use their rookie running back in the majority of the offensive snaps. He took full advantage of the opportunity and has not looked back.
TreVeyon Henderson Is the Favorite to Win Rookie of the Year
Rookie Campaign
In weeks 1-7, Treyveon Henderson totaled 43 rushing attempts for 153 yards and one touchdown. That averages out to 6.14 carries and 21.86 yards per game. Since that time, Henderson has 100 rushes for 620 yards and six touchdowns. On a per-game basis, that equates to 12.5 carries and 77.5 yards. Week 15 against the Buffalo Bills was his best performance to date. He had 148 yards and two touchdowns and averaged 10.6 yards per attempt.
He has made it impossible for Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels not to utilize his talent. As of December 15th, Henderson is now the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. That award appeared to be a two-man race between Tetairoa McMillan and Emeka Egbuka. Henderson has not only made a case, but has seemingly leapfrogged McMillan and Egbuka.
Henderson was just recognized as the Offensive Rookie of the Month for November. He was also the Rookie of the Week for week 13. In week 13, Henderson had 11 rushes for 67 yards vs the New York Giants. The Patriots posted a video where he was presented a commemorative belt for the award, and Drake Maye said the quiet part out loud.
Main Photo: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
