Henderson got hurt in the second quarter of Sunday's win over the Las Vegas Raiders. He came up hobbling at the end of an 11-yard run after safety Jeremy Chinn tackled him along the sideline, and he did not return. ESPN also reported that Henderson is regarded as a quick healer and that the Patriots hope he is back relatively soon.
What is confirmed: Henderson left Sunday's game with an ankle injury and was listed as questionable to return. What comes from sources so far: the high ankle sprain diagnosis, the multiple-week timeline and the no-surgery outcome. The Patriots have not announced a roster move, so there is no injured reserve placement to account for yet.
This is the second ankle problem of the season for Henderson, who also missed the opener with an ankle injury. Through four games he has 42 carries for 163 yards and one touchdown.
Rhamondre Stevenson remains the starter. With Henderson out on Sunday, Stevenson ran 13 times for 64 yards and a touchdown. Corey Kiner worked as the primary backup and gained 52 yards on six carries, though he lost a fumble. ESPN reported the Patriots (3-2) are likely to elevate Lan Larison from the practice squad for Sunday's game against the New York Jets to give them a third back. Larison played in the opener when Henderson was out, logging three offensive snaps and two catches for nine yards.
For RSO owners, Stevenson is the clear beneficiary and should be in lineups against the Jets. Henderson owners should hold him rather than cut him, since the timeline is weeks rather than months, and move him to an IR slot only if New England officially places him there. Kiner is a reasonable cheap add in deeper leagues as the next man up, but his fumble on Sunday leaves room for Larison to take some of that work.
