Overview
- Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson was removed from the injury report and is expected to play after practicing fully late in the week, giving New England a proven change-of-pace runner to deploy alongside Rhamondre Stevenson.
- New England ruled rookie tackle Dametrious Crownover out and listed cornerback Carlton Davis III, offensive lineman Ben Brown, and edge defender Dre’Mont Jones as questionable after they missed or were limited in practices.
- The Steelers downgraded and then officially ruled wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. out with a foot injury, which shifts Pittsburgh’s passing workload toward DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, Germie Bernard, and tight end Pat Freiermuth.
- Henderson’s availability matters because the Patriots averaged about 4.1 yards per play in Week 1 and need more big-play rushing ability, while injuries in New England’s secondary and front seven create schematic and depth questions for coach Mike Vrabel.
- If Davis cannot play, New England will rely on depth options such as Charles Woods and Marcus Jones on the boundary, a change that could alter Pittsburgh’s game plan and has immediate fantasy and matchup implications for both teams.