Patriots Rookie RB Continues Practicing as Kick Returner

TreVeyon Henderson hasn't seen much action as a kick returner this season, but he remains prepared to take on the role if needed.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:55pm

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Despite not being the primary kick returner for the New England Patriots this season, rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson continues to get reps in practice and remains ready to take on the role if needed. Henderson had an impressive 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the preseason, but has since been replaced by other players on kick return duties. Special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer explained the decision, citing the need to keep Henderson healthy as the team's only other active running back after an injury to Antonio Gibson. However, Springer emphasized that Henderson is still working on kick returns and will be ready if his number is called, including potentially in the Super Bowl.

Why it matters

The Patriots' decision to limit Henderson's kick return duties this season highlights the team's focus on keeping their key offensive players healthy for the playoffs. As a valuable rookie running back, the team wants to avoid unnecessary risks that could lead to injury. However, Henderson's continued preparation shows the team's commitment to having him ready if needed, which could be important in a high-stakes Super Bowl matchup.

The details

After a standout 100-yard kickoff return touchdown in the preseason, rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson has not seen much action as the Patriots' primary kick returner this season. Instead, the team has used other players like wide receivers Efton Chism III and Kyle Williams, as well as running back D'Ernest Johnson, in that role. Special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer explained the decision, citing the need to keep Henderson healthy as the team's only other active running back after an injury to Antonio Gibson earlier in the year. However, Springer emphasized that Henderson continues to get reps in practice each week and remains prepared to take on kick return duties if needed, including potentially in the Super Bowl.

  • In the AFC championship against Denver, Henderson played a season-low four snaps.
  • Earlier in the season, special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer discussed why Henderson hasn't been used as a kick returner more.

The players

TreVeyon Henderson

A rookie running back for the New England Patriots who had an impressive 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the preseason.

Mike Vrabel

The head coach of the New England Patriots who emphasizes to players to prepare as starters, even if they are not first on the depth chart.

Jeremy Springer

The special teams coordinator for the New England Patriots who has discussed the team's decision to limit Henderson's kick return duties this season.

Antonio Gibson

A running back for the New England Patriots who suffered an ACL tear earlier in the season, leaving the team with only two active running backs on the roster.

Terrell Jennings

A running back who was promoted from the practice squad by the New England Patriots to add depth at the position.

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What they’re saying

“Coach (Mike) Vrabel always tells us to prepare as a starter, and so even though I'm not first on the depth chart on kick return, we still get reps in practice. I'm still preparing as a starter because you never know when guys may go down, and you're time may be up. It's something that coach Vrabes does a good job of keeping us all ready for when that time comes.”

— TreVeyon Henderson, Rookie Running Back

“Two running backs on the roster. You don't want to get someone like that hurt. He's a valuable piece of what we do offensively.”

— Jeremy Springer, Special Teams Coordinator

“He's working back there and he's always ready so when the time comes, whether it's this week or next week, he's working at it just like he was a starter.”

— Jeremy Springer, Special Teams Coordinator

What’s next

It remains to be seen if Henderson will get the opportunity to return kicks in Super Bowl LX, but the team has emphasized that he continues to prepare for that role in practice.

The takeaway

The Patriots' decision to limit Henderson's kick return duties this season highlights their focus on keeping their key offensive players healthy for the playoffs. However, Henderson's continued preparation shows the team's commitment to having him ready if needed, which could be important in a high-stakes Super Bowl matchup.