The New England Patriots are set to face a challenging Week 9 as they deal with a significantly depleted backfield. With starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson ruled out for Sunday’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons due to a toe injury, the team’s options have become limited. Stevenson has been a pivotal player for the Patriots, and his absence will put extra pressure on the remaining backs.
Currently, TreVeyon Henderson looks to be the primary option for the Patriots, as he is expected to take on a larger workload this week. Henderson, a second-round rookie from Ohio State, has had a somewhat underwhelming debut season but now has a valuable opportunity to prove himself. Throughout the season, he has accumulated 53 carries for 228 yards, averaging 4.3 yards per carry, along with 16 receptions for 99 yards.
The Falcons’ defense, while solid at times, showed vulnerabilities in their recent game against the Miami Dolphins, indicating a potential opportunity for Henderson to exploit. Fantasy managers may want to consider inserting Henderson into their lineups, as he is likely to receive a significant number of touches during the game.
In the event that fantasy owners are seeking alternatives due to Stevenson’s absence, there are some potential waiver wire pickups available. Notable options include Bam Knight of the Cardinals and Tyjae Spears of the Titans, both of whom are available in over 50% of Yahoo leagues. While Jaydon Blue of the Cowboys and Samaje Perine of the Bengals could serve as last-resort options, Knight and Spears are considered more favorable choices for filling the gap left by Stevenson.
Given the current lineup situation, this week presents a unique opportunity for Henderson to step into a key role and make a significant impact on the field.