Patriots' depth chart might be blown up after rookie's strong night

It didn't take long for a New England Patriots rookie to make a difference in Friday night's preseason opener.

Second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown on the Washington Commanders. The running back from Ohio State ran 18 yards on his only carry on the ground. He added 12 yards on three receptions in the passing game.

The Patriots listed Henderson third on the depth chart behind RB1 Rhamondre Stevenson and RB2 Antonio Gibson before playing the Commanders.

Per Chad Graff of The Athletic, the Patriots selected Henderson to add "juice" to a roster that lacked explosive players in 2024, and his performance against Washington might have catapulted the 22-year-old above Stevenson.

"But (Henderson) showed that his game is about more than just speed," Graff wrote. "On one reception in the red zone, Henderson lowered his shoulder and flattened a defender. He got to the edge on his lone carry for an 18-yard gain.

"It’s also notable that Henderson was the first running back removed from the game. In the preseason, the earlier you’re taken out, the safer your regular-season playing time typically is. At this point, Henderson might be the Patriots’ No. 1 running back."

Stevenson was tied with Lan Larison for the most carries (seven) on the night. He recorded 36 yards rushing.

Henderson appears to be the future lead back for the Patriots, as his ability to catch passes out of the backfield is a huge plus for second-year quarterback Drake Maye. 

The Patriots need home-run hitters and game-changers on offense. Stevenson, who averaged 3.9 yards per rush and scored seven rushing touchdowns (to go along with six fumbles), isn't that. 

Henderson went out and earned consideration to move up the depth chart with his play on Friday. Based on the distribution of carries on Friday night, head coach Mike Vrabel's staff is finding its RB2 and RB3.