TreVeyon Henderson returns for Patriots as Carlton Davis sits against Steelers

The Patriots activated running back TreVeyon Henderson for Sunday's home opener against Pittsburgh, giving New England its second-round pick for his season debut. Receiver Efton Chism III is active as well. Starting cornerback Carlton Davis III is inactive with a neck injury.

Henderson's return immediately changes the backfield rotation. The Patriots entered the game with Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson available, but Henderson's burst gives the offense another option for early downs and space plays. New England led 10-0 in the live early-game snapshot, with Henderson scoring a rushing touchdown.

Davis' absence shifts the other side of the matchup. New England will have to cover Pittsburgh without its expected starting corner, while the Steelers work against a Patriots defense that has already forced the game into a slower opening. The personnel news is the cleanest story from the home opener because both decisions were confirmed before kickoff and immediately showed up in the game plan.