Henderson’s high ankle sprain leaves Patriots facing a longer backfield adjustment

The Patriots expect to be without TreVeyon Henderson for multiple weeks after the running back suffered a high ankle sprain in Sunday’s win over the Raiders, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday.

Schefter reported that Henderson will not need surgery. There is no specific return date in that report, leaving New England to prepare for an absence beyond the game in which the injury occurred.

Henderson left the 45-17 win in the second quarter and did not finish the game. It was another disruption for an offense that also lost starting left tackle Will Campbell to a knee injury Sunday.

The Patriots’ official game analysis described Rhamondre Stevenson and Corey Kiner helping the rushing attack after Henderson went out. Stevenson had entered the game with a knee concern of his own, but he was active and contributed to an offense that finished with 536 yards.

Kiner’s involvement gives New England another back to use while Henderson recovers. The longer timetable changes the preparation: the Patriots must account for more than a temporary in-game substitution as they turn toward the Jets.

Henderson has 163 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown this season. He also missed the season opener with an ankle injury, according to Boston.com’s report. Tuesday’s diagnosis follows the new injury sustained against Las Vegas; it does not set a deadline for his recovery.

The Patriots are coming off consecutive wins over Buffalo and Las Vegas. Their next home game is against the Jets, with the backfield now facing another personnel adjustment despite the offense’s strong performance Sunday.

Sources

Patriots official observations from Raiders victory · Boston.com: Henderson’s ankle diagnosis and season context