New England’s backfield is a far cry from the "running back by committee" headache that fantasy managers used to dread under the old regime. It's 2026, and the identity of this team has shifted. Honestly, if you haven’t been watching closely, you might have missed how this unit transformed from a bruising, ground-and-pound group into a high-octane tandem that actually keeps defensive coordinators up at night.
Right now, the New England Patriots running back depth chart is built around two pillars.
It’s about Rhamondre Stevenson’s veteran stability and the absolute lightning bolt that is rookie TreVeyon Henderson. They aren't just alternating series anymore; they are the engine of an offense that just steamrolled the Chargers in the Wild Card round. With Antonio Gibson currently on the shelf with an ACL injury, the room looks a bit thinner than it did in September, but the quality at the top is undeniable.
The One-Two Punch: Stevenson and Henderson
The hierarchy is pretty clear. Rhamondre Stevenson is still "The Guy" when it comes to the dirty work. He’s the veteran leader. He signed that four-year, $36 million extension back in 2024 for a reason. He’s dependable. Even with some fumbling scares earlier in his career, he’s become the heartbeat of this locker room.
In the regular season, Stevenson put up 603 yards and seven touchdowns. Those aren't eye-popping numbers until you realize he missed time with a toe injury and had to share the rock with a superstar rookie.
Then you have TreVeyon Henderson.
Drafted 38th overall out of Ohio State in 2025, Henderson has been a revelation. He’s basically the Jahmyr Gibbs to Stevenson’s David Montgomery. He’s faster, more explosive, and honestly, he might be the most talented back New England has had since Corey Dillon, though they play nothing alike. Henderson was nominated for Rookie of the Year because he can turn a simple check-down from Drake Maye into a 40-yard house call.
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What the Depth Chart Looks Like Right Now
If you look at the official roster as of mid-January 2026, it’s a bit of a skeleton crew due to injuries.
- RB1: Rhamondre Stevenson – The powerhouse. He just dominated the Wild Card game with 128 total yards from scrimmage.
- RB2: TreVeyon Henderson – The home-run threat. He’s the change-of-pace back who actually gets as many touches as the starter.
- Injured Reserve: Antonio Gibson – A huge loss. He was supposed to be the primary third-down back and kick returner, but that ACL tear ended his season early.
- Practice Squad/Elevations: Elijah Mitchell – With D’Ernest Johnson recently released to make room for defensive depth (specifically Alex Austin), Mitchell is the name to watch.
Basically, if one of the big two goes down against the Texans or Steelers in the Divisional Round, the Patriots are in a world of trouble. They are riding these two guys until the wheels fall off.
Why the Antonio Gibson Absence Matters
Losing Gibson wasn’t just about losing a backup. It messed with the special teams' chemistry. Gibson was averaging over four yards a carry in his limited reps and was a reliable safety valve for Maye.
Now, the team has been forced to use Henderson more in pass protection than they probably wanted to. Henderson is great in space, but asking a rookie to stone a blitzing linebacker in a playoff game is a lot. Stevenson has had to pick up the slack there, which limits how much they can use him as a receiver out of the backfield.
Terrell Jennings is another name that's been floating around the IR list. There’s talk about his practice window opening up, but relying on a guy coming off a concussion protocol in the heat of January is a gamble.
The Strategy Behind the Build
The Patriots front office finally stopped trying to find "value" in the seventh round and spent high capital. Taking Henderson in the second round was a signal. They wanted to take the pressure off Drake Maye.
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It’s working.
When you have a New England Patriots running back depth chart that features two guys who can both catch and run, you don't have to sub players in and out based on the play call. It keeps the defense from tipping their hand. If Stevenson is in, it could still be a screen. If Henderson is in, he might still run it up the gut.
Key Stats for the 2025-2026 Season
| Player | Rushing Yards | Receiving Yards | Total TDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhamondre Stevenson | 603 | 345 | 9 |
| TreVeyon Henderson | 780* | 412* | 11 |
| Antonio Gibson (IR) | 106 | 6 | 1 |
Estimated based on rookie impact and late-season usage.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Group
Everyone thinks the Patriots are a passing team now because of Drake Maye and Stefon Diggs. That's sort of a myth.
Actually, the Patriots finished the season in the top ten in rushing attempts. They use the run to set up the deep shots to Diggs and DeMario Douglas. Without the threat of Stevenson bruising people in the first half, those play-action lanes don't exist in the second half.
The depth chart isn't just a list of backups; it's a hierarchy of roles. Stevenson is the hammer. Henderson is the scalpel.
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Looking Ahead to the Offseason
Even though the playoffs are still happening, we have to look at the 2026 outlook. Stevenson’s cap hit jumps to $7.4 million next year. He’s 28 now. That’s usually the age when teams start looking for the exit door, but the Patriots have structured his deal so they can keep him one more year before the "dead money" hit becomes manageable.
Expect them to hunt for a cheap, veteran third-stringer in free agency. D’Ernest Johnson didn't quite stick, and they need someone who can play special teams without being a liability on offense.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're watching the upcoming Divisional game, keep an eye on the personnel groupings.
- Watch the "Pony" Package: The Patriots have experimented with putting both Stevenson and Henderson on the field at the same time. It’s rare, but it’s their "break glass in case of emergency" look.
- Monitor the Practice Squad: Elijah Mitchell will almost certainly be elevated for the next game. He’s veteran insurance. If he’s not active, it means the coaching staff is 100% confident in the health of the big two.
- Third-Down Roles: Watch who stays in to block. If the Patriots are trailing, expect more Henderson. If they are protecting a lead, it’s all Stevenson.
The New England Patriots running back depth chart is currently the most top-heavy it’s been in years. It’s a high-risk, high-reward strategy that has them three wins away from a ring. They’ve bet the house on two elite talents rather than five average ones. So far, the gamble is paying off.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the Friday injury reports. Any "limited" tag for Stevenson or Henderson at this stage of the season isn't just a minor detail—it’s a potential season-ender for the Patriots' offensive scheme. Monitor the elevation of Mitchell from the practice squad on Saturday afternoon for a final clue on the team's game-day plan.