Seahawks Could Catch Week 1 Break After Patriots Injury News
Two starters — one on each side — are in serious doubt for Wednesday night's NFL season opener in Seattle. Seahawks safety Ty Okada and Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson both missed Monday's practice.
- Okada missed a second straight practice with a hamstring injury.
- Henderson has not practiced since Aug. 24, when he slipped on grass and left early with an ankle injury.
- Nick Emmanwori, also a Seahawks safety, was limited Monday while recovering from offseason ankle surgery.
- Patriots offensive lineman Ben Brown was ruled out and will not make the trip to Seattle.
Why it matters: Seattle's backfield depth is thin entering the game. Losing both Okada and Emmanwori would leave the Seahawks relying on practice-squad veterans to cover Drake Maye, whom the coverage describes as one of the NFL's best deep-ball quarterbacks.
- Henderson's absence would shift New England's ground game to Rhamondre Stevenson, who recorded 10 touchdowns and caught five passes in last season's Super Bowl loss to Seattle.
- Corey Kiner, acquired in August from Arizona, would back up Stevenson; he led the Cardinals in preseason with 180 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on 39 carries.
How 9 sources split on this story
Where they split: Coverage splits between outlets focused on the Patriots' offensive uncertainty and the outlet focused on Seattle's defensive backfield concerns.
Center coverage, 5 sources: The center focuses on Seattle's defensive backfield vulnerabilities and the tactical implications for coach Mike Macdonald heading into opening night.
Heavy2hPatriots’ Potential Henderson Replacement Called ‘Security Blanket’ by Coach
USA Today3hWeek 1 injury report for the New England Patriots
Associated Press22hNFL Injury Report
ESPN2hPatriots' Henderson, Seahawks' Okada ruled out for SB rematch - ESPN
Reuters1dSeahawks S Nick Emmanwori limited in practice; Pats OL Ben Brown ruled outLeft coverage, 2 sources: The left frames the story around New England's offensive stakes — Henderson's absence as a setback for a Patriots team seeking a statement win in a Super Bowl rematch.
Right coverage, 2 sources: The right covers both injury situations within a broader notebook format, emphasizing Stevenson's readiness and the team's overall preparation for the opener.
What’s next: Seattle may promote D'Anthony Bell and Rodney Thomas II from the practice squad to cover safety depth.
- Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said the team will evaluate Henderson through game week before a final decision.
- Will Henderson be cleared in time, or will the Patriots officially rule him out before Wednesday?
- Can the Seahawks generate enough pass rush to compensate for a depleted secondary against a Patriots passing attack?