TreVeyon Henderson and the New England Patriots could explore a larger kick-returner role after his offensive snaps declined in recent weeks, according to Musket Fire on Oct. 31, 2026. The idea follows increased opportunities for Corey Kiner in the Patriots’ running back rotation.
Musket Fire reported that special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer discussed Henderson’s potential as a Patriots kick returner. The role is presented as a possibility connected to Springer’s assessment, not as an announced change to New England’s game-day plan.
The discussion also comes alongside a reported change in the Patriots’ offensive backfield. Musket Fire identified fewer recent offensive snaps for Henderson, limited impact from Rhamondre Stevenson and more opportunities for Kiner. Michael Rodnick’s Oct. 29, 2026, post included Springer’s assessment: “I think he has potential there.”
TreVeyon Henderson Returner Role Emerges for Patriots
Musket Fire reported that Henderson has practiced as a kick returner and that reporters asked Springer about using him in that role on game day. Springer’s response supplied the basis for the projection that Henderson could receive more work on Patriots special teams.
The possible assignment would give Henderson a different way to use his speed. Musket Fire connected the discussion to the running back’s recent offensive usage, with Henderson taking fewer snaps while Kiner received more opportunities than expected in the rotation.
Musket Fire also placed the discussion in the context of Henderson and Stevenson having less impact than anticipated in the Patriots’ 2026 offense. Those observations explain why special teams entered the conversation while the team distributes offensive opportunities among its running backs.
Henderson Has Seen Fewer Offensive Opportunities
According to Musket Fire, Henderson’s offensive workload has decreased in recent weeks. Kiner has received more chances during that stretch, creating a shift in the distribution of opportunities in New England’s backfield.
Musket Fire also compared the recent production of Henderson and Stevenson with the expectations surrounding the Patriots’ 2026 offense. The outlet used that comparison while discussing whether Henderson could contribute in another phase of the game.
The kick-return discussion therefore relates directly to Henderson’s current usage. Springer was asked about the possibility after Henderson worked at the position, and the coordinator’s comment supplied the phrase that he has potential there.
Why Jeremy Springer Mentioned Henderson on Kick Returns
Springer’s comments, as reported by Musket Fire, connect Henderson’s practice work with a potential Patriots special-teams role. The relevant position is kick returner, giving Henderson a chance to use his speed in a return setting rather than only during offensive snaps.
Musket Fire reported the discussion as part of a broader examination of Henderson’s place in the Patriots’ rotation. The outlet tied the question to his reduced offensive opportunities and Kiner’s increased involvement, while Springer’s statement provided the support for considering Henderson on returns.
The possible role would keep the focus on Henderson’s athletic ability without changing the facts reported about the running back rotation. Musket Fire described his returner usage as a projection based on the coordinator’s comments and Henderson’s work in practice.
Henderson Already Has Preseason Returner Experience
Henderson has prior experience at the position, according to Musket Fire. The running back practiced as a kick returner during the 2025 preseason and performed strongly in that role against the Washington Commanders.
That preseason performance is the clearest returner precedent included in Musket Fire’s discussion. It places Henderson’s current practice work alongside an earlier period in which he handled kick-return responsibilities against Washington.
Musket Fire used the 2025 preseason experience as part of the context for Springer’s assessment. Henderson’s work against the Commanders gives the reported projection a specific example from his previous returner experience.
What a Larger Returner Role Could Mean for the Patriots
A larger kick-return assignment would give New England another way to use Henderson while his offensive opportunities have declined. The potential value described by Musket Fire is tied to his speed and his ability to contribute on Patriots special teams.
The reported possibility also fits the current backfield context identified by Musket Fire: Henderson has taken fewer offensive snaps, Kiner has received more opportunities and Stevenson has been part of the discussion about limited impact in the 2026 offense.
Musket Fire’s account ultimately connects three facts: Henderson has practiced as a kick returner, Springer said he has potential there and Henderson performed strongly in that role during the 2025 preseason against the Washington Commanders.
