The New England Patriots have taken the two-back approach with Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson, but the pecking order may be coming into focus.
After watching two joint practices against the Philadelphia Eagles, Patriots.com staff writer Evan Lazar wrote that Stevenson is “trending toward being the lead back to start the season.”
Lazar added that Stevenson has more consistently found running lanes between the tackles and has received the bulk of the reps alongside Drake Maye.
Henderson still figures to have a unique role, but Stevenson’s work with the starting offense indicates that New England trusts his all-around game.
Stevenson Reasserting Himself in Patriots Backfield
GettySANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 08: Rhamondre Stevenson #38 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball as Devon Witherspoon #21 of the Seattle Seahawks defends during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Stevenson and Henderson had to grind for yards against an Eagles defense that ranked ninth in rush EPA allowed last season. Philadelphia’s imposing defensive front made clean rushing lanes difficult to find during the two sessions.
Even so, Lazar came away believing Stevenson had separated himself in one important area.
“Stevenson has more consistently found holes between the tackles and is getting the bulk of the reps with Maye,” Lazar wrote in his Aug. 20 joint-practice takeaways.
That usage is noteworthy after the way New England finished last season.
Henderson led the Patriots as a rookie with 215 touches, 1,132 yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns. His speed gave the offense a home-run element, and he produced the third-highest explosive-run rate among qualified running backs.
Stevenson, however, took over the heavier workload down the stretch.
He averaged 5.7 yards per carry on 87 attempts over New England’s final eight games, including the playoffs, and played 70.1% of the Patriots’ postseason offensive snaps. Henderson was on the field for 31.4%.
The veteran also ranked fourth among running backs in Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade last season, a skill that helps explain why he continues to earn extensive snaps next to Maye.
Stevenson’s late-season surge appears to have made its way into summer.
Henderson Still Has Vital Role for Patriots
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 28: Treveyon Henderson #32 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball against the New York Jets during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium on December 28, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images)
Stevenson emerging as the likely starter would leave Henderson with an important place in the offense.
Lazar described Henderson as New England’s expected change-of-pace option and pointed to the passing game as an avenue for him to make an impact.
The question is whether he can become more dependable in blitz pickup.
That issue followed Henderson through his rookie year and has remained part of the discussion during training camp.
Patriots.com noted in July that his struggles identifying and handling pressure limited some of his passing-down opportunities, even though he had been an effective blocker at Ohio State.
The potential payoff is significant.
Henderson rushed for 911 yards and nine touchdowns as a rookie while averaging 5.1 yards per carry. He also caught 35 passes for 221 yards and another score.
All things considered, New England can lean on different traits from the pair.
Stevenson has shown the patience and power to handle work between the tackles while offering reliable protection for Maye. Henderson can stress defenses with speed and create chunk plays when space opens.
Head coach Mike Vrabel has also made improving the consistency of the run game a priority after the Patriots finished 25th in EPA per rush last season despite averaging 4.4 yards per carry.
The initial answer appears to involve Stevenson getting the first crack at it.
Nonetheless, Henderson will have chances to tilt the workload during his second season.
Patriots’ Rhamondre Stevenson Gets Encouraging Sign in Backfield Battle