The New England Patriots got a positive update on their rookie running back on Saturday.
The team announced ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the New York Jets that TreVeyon Henderson has cleared concussion protocol. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Henderson is expected to play.
While it’s still possible that New England keeps Henderson sidelined, clearing concussion protocol should be enough for fantasy managers to insert him back into their lineups this week.
Henderson suffered a head injury in the first half of last week’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. He was ruled out of the contest, but it appears it won’t cost him a game.
Henderson, a second-round pick out of Ohio State, had a bit of a slow start to the year but has since proved to be a reliable option in the backfield. The 23-year-old has rushed for 776 yards and seven touchdowns, adding 221 yards and a touchdown through the air.
He averaged just 21.9 yards per game through the first seven contests of the season, but has since seen an increase in carries that has led to more production. Over the last eight games, he’s averaged 77.9 yards per contest, collecting two games with 140-plus rushing yards. He’s also scored all but one of his touchdowns in the last eight contests.
Henderson being ready to go for Sunday’s matchup is great news for the Patriots, who have the chance to clinch the division this week and are still in the mix for the top seed in the AFC.
The 12-3 Pats need a win over the Jets plus a loss or tie from the Buffalo Bills, who face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. New England can’t clinch the top seed this week, but a win would keep the team right alongside the Denver Broncos.