TreVeyon Henderson Ruled Out vs. Packers as Patriots Rally Around RB After Hospitalization

The New England Patriots have ruled out running back TreVeyon Henderson for Sunday’s home game against the Green Bay Packers, coach Mike Vrabel said Friday. The decision came hours after Henderson disclosed that he had been hospitalized for several days with what he called “unexplained neurological symptoms.” The team has not set a timeline for his return.

This article summarizes public statements and news reports about a player’s health. It is not medical advice.

What is new since Henderson’s statement?

Henderson’s Friday statement described an “unexpected and unusual medical emergency.” By the end of the day, several more details had come out:

• Ruled out for Week 9: Vrabel announced that Henderson and wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee and ankle) will not play against the Packers, NESN and The Boston Globe reported.
• No timeline: “I can’t even put a timeline on it. I don’t think that’s fair to anybody,” Vrabel said, according to the Globe.
• Non-football injury list undecided: Asked about the NFI list, Vrabel said, “A lot of thoughts, and we’ll see. We’ll just work through whatever,” the Globe reported.
• Not a stroke, per a source: The Globe reported that a source close to Henderson said he did not suffer a stroke. Neither Henderson nor the team has named a diagnosis.

What did Henderson say about his recovery?

Henderson wrote that his medical testing came back “positive and reassuring” but that “the cause of this remains unknown and unexplainable,” according to the Globe and WHDH. He said he is working with specialists and physical therapists because the symptoms have affected his “strength, coordination, and some of my physical functions.”

He thanked his wife, his faith, the Patriots organization, his agent and his medical team, and asked for “continued prayers and privacy,” the Globe reported.

How are the Patriots responding?

“My support shows up in a lot of different ways in just trying to make sure that TreVeyon is cared for and that the recovery plan is intact and that he’s comfortable with it,” Vrabel said, per Patriots Wire. He said the team will focus on the available players while continuing to care for Henderson, his wife and his family, the Globe reported.

Teammates spoke up, too. “It definitely is difficult when a brother like that goes down,” running back Corey Kiner said, according to the Globe. “I let him know that I’m here for him and whatever he needs. That’s my brother.”

Wide receiver Efton Chism told WHDH: “All of us, our thoughts and prayers are with him… I know we all love and appreciate him so much, so just praying to God that he’s going to be alright.”

Who plays running back Sunday?

The Patriots are expected to lean on Rhamondre Stevenson, Kiner and Lan Larison in the backfield, according to the Globe and Patriots Wire. Patriots Wire said Kiner will likely remain the No. 2 back, with Larison, who was signed to the main roster last week, as the No. 3 option.

Beyond Henderson and Brown, the Globe listed seven Patriots as questionable, including tight end Hunter Henry (foot) and cornerback Carlton Davis (neck). Kickoff against Green Bay is set for 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday at Gillette Stadium, WHDH reported.

Background

Henderson, 24, a 2025 second-round pick out of Ohio State, was first listed with an illness on Oct. 29 and missed last Sunday’s game at Miami, the Globe reported. His last game was Oct. 22 against Chicago. This season he has 52 carries for 203 yards and one rushing touchdown, plus five catches for 45 yards, per the Globe.

The Globe also noted that Henderson said in college that he played through a concussion late in the 2021 season. There is no reporting connecting that history to his current symptoms, and the cause remains unexplained.

FAQ

Earlier coverage: Patriots' TreVeyon Henderson Hospitalized for Unexplained Neurological Symptoms (Nov 6)