The Week 1 game, broadcast on NBC, is set for a Wednesday night kickoff at 5:20 p.m. PT / 8:20 p.m. ET. If Henderson is unable to play, the workload could shift toward Rhamondre Stevenson, with a potential elevation from the practice squad as additional depth behind him.
Lan Larison, along with fellow practice squad back Hassan Haskins, emerged as the primary candidates for activation, per ESPN’s Mike Reiss. Larison is viewed as having an edge due to his familiarity with Josh McDaniels’ passing-game concepts and his prior familiarity with the Patriots’ system. He is considered likely to be elevated to the active roster for the opener. In contrast, Hassan Haskins brings potential as a complement, but Larison’s fit with the team’s playcalling gives him the nod in some projections.
A notable discussion point among analysts centers on how the Patriots might distribute carries if Henderson remains out. One analyst suggested Stevenson could be tasked with roughly 50 snaps, echoing typical workload patterns from the previous season when Stevenson logged 46 snaps and Henderson 25 in Week 1. The backup plan could see Kiner handling most of the early-down work behind Stevenson, particularly if concerns about protection prevent him from being trusted in third-down situations. Larison’s pass protection remained a question mark through preseason, which could influence how the backfield roles are assigned if Henderson is inactive.
Larison, an undrafted free agent from UC Davis, returned to the Patriots after a brief waiver period and remains on the practice squad. His college production included a school record for all-purpose yards (6,504) and a single-season peak of 2,387 all-purpose yards in 2024, which led the nation and earned him recognition as a Walter Payton Award finalist. A prior foot injury cost him his rookie season last year, limiting his opportunity to contribute in games.
Meanwhile, the Patriots face additional line-of-scrimmage questions with center Ben Brown ruled out with a knee injury. Brown’s absence compounds the challenge of reestablishing a clear rushing and protection plan in Seattle. If Henderson sits, Stevenson and Kiner would be the primary healthy backs, intensifying the importance of the upcoming practice squad elevation decision.
The Patriots’ 2026 schedule includes several notable games, including Week 1 in Seattle and Week 12 in Los Angeles, with various broadcast times and networks. Weeks 17 and 18 feature flexible scheduling, with kickoff times and networks to be determined. All times listed are in Eastern Time unless noted otherwise.
Injury updates from the team indicate Henderson was listed as a DNP on the latest injury report, though he did travel with the team to Seattle. The team’s official injury updates noted no definitive status for Henderson ahead of kickoff, leaving a window for a potential late test if the ankle responds to treatment and warmups. The decision on Henderson’s status is expected to come down to the personnel department and the coaching staff’s assessment of his readiness on game day.
With Henderson’s status up in the air, New England’s backfield decisions for Week 1 will hinge on final evaluations and the team’s readiness to promote a practice squad elevated runner. The scenario underlines how crucial depth at the position is as the season begins, particularly in a challenging road environment against a Seahawks squad looking to start strong on their home field.
Note: This version preserves the key facts about Henderson’s injury status, potential elevations, and the anticipated impact on the Patriots’ backfield, while omitting promotional or source-specific references and keeping the focus on the team’s preparation for the season opener. The article is written to be publication-ready and suitable for a standalone report.
