TreVeyon Henderson has been ruled out of the New England Patriots’ season opener against Seattle tonight (Wednesday) after failing to recover from the ankle injury that has kept him out of practice since late August.

The second-year running back did not participate at any stage of New England’s abbreviated preparation for Wednesday night’s game at Lumen Field. His absence removes the Patriots’ most explosive runner from an immediate rematch of Seattle’s 29–13 victory in Super Bowl LX. Back-up center Ben Brown will also miss the game with a knee injury, while the Seahawks have ruled out safety Ty Okada and listed Nick Emmanwori and receiver Tory Horton as questionable.

Henderson sustained his injury when he slipped during a running play on 24th August and, although New England allowed him until the final injury report to prove his fitness, he remained unable to practice throughout the week. The former Ohio State back led the Patriots with 911 rushing yards and nine touchdowns during his rookie season, adding 221 yards as a receiver. His ability to turn limited openings into long gains supplied an element that will be difficult to reproduce within the remaining backfield.

Henderson recorded four touchdown runs of at least 50 yards in 2025 and finished third in voting for Offensive Rookie of the Year. He contributed 45 yards from nine touches during the Super Bowl defeat, carrying six times for 19 yards and catching three passes for another 26. Rhamondre Stevenson will now assume the leading role against Seattle after gradually reclaiming a larger share of the workload during New England’s postseason run. The comparative veteran finished last season with 603 rushing yards and nine total touchdowns.

Corey Kiner is the only other running back on the 53-player roster and has completed just five practices since being claimed following final cuts. The Patriots could elevate Lan Larison or Hassan Haskins from the practice squad to provide a third option, with Larison offering greater value in passing situations and on special teams.

Brown did not travel to Seattle after suffering his knee injury during the preseason. His absence does not disrupt New England’s expected starting line, but removes its leading interior reserve and leaves recently-acquired veteran Greg Van Roten as the likely backup at both center and guard.

There is considerably better news for the Patriots on defense, as Christian Barmore carries no game designation after returning as a full participant following an initial absence with a knee problem. Barmore’s availability gives New England its leading interior disruptor against a Seattle offense that controlled the Super Bowl after the Patriots had remained competitive through the opening half. He joins a fully available defense now built around Christian Gonzalez, whose reported four-year, $135m extension was agreed earlier this week.

Seattle’s more pressing concerns are concentrated in its secondary. Okada has been ruled out after missing all three practices with a hamstring injury. He had been expected to replace the departed Coby Bryant alongside Julian Love, but his absence could force the Seahawks to call upon a practice-squad elevation, especially as Emmanwori remained limited throughout the week as he continues his recovery from offseason ankle surgery. The second-year safety is officially questionable and his availability may not be determined until Seattle announces its inactive players before kick-off.

The 22-year-old recorded 81 tackles, including nine for loss, with 2.5 sacks and 11 passes defensed during an outstanding rookie season. He finished second in voting for Defensive Rookie of the Year and became an important part of Mike Macdonald’s scheme through his ability to operate close to the line of scrimmage. Emmanwori played through multiple ankle problems last season, including a low sprain suffered shortly before the Super Bowl, before undergoing an arthroscopic procedure during the offseason.

Losing both Emmanwori and Okada would leave Seattle unusually short at safety against a Patriots receiving group now featuring A.J. Brown. D’Anthony Bell, Rodney Thomas II, Maxen Hook and A.J. Finley provide potential elevation options from the practice squad.

Horton is also questionable after being limited throughout the week with a hamstring injury. The receiver had been expected to miss a longer period but progressed sufficiently to retain a chance of playing. Offensive tackle Josh Jones has been cleared after initially practising on a limited basis because of a knee problem. Guard Anthony Bradford, tight end A.J Barner, cornerback Julian Neal and running back Emanuel Wilson also carry no game designation.