What will Patriots do if RB TreVeyon Henderson is out Week 1?

Key Points:

• Running back TreVeyon Henderson's status for the Patriots' season opener is uncertain due to an ankle injury, potentially impacting the team's running back rotation with Rhamondre Stevenson as the clear starter and possible elevations from the practice squad.
• The Patriots face a thin roster at outside linebacker with veteran Harold Landry III on the physically unable to perform list, leaving rookies Gabe Jacas and Quintayvious Hutchins as key backups alongside starters Dre'Mont Jones and Elijah Ponder.
• Head coach Mike Vrabel emphasizes accountability and team identity, highlighted by a "We are firemen" speech to inspire focus and collective effort, while also publicly holding top players accountable during team meetings.
• Contract extension talks with cornerback Christian Gonzalez remain unresolved, with Vrabel maintaining a hands-off approach to negotiations but actively seeking a resolution without a clear timetable.
• The Patriots successfully claimed linebacker Darius Muasau and tight end Cameron Latu off waivers, with Muasau joining the 53-man roster unexpectedly and benefiting from familiarity with the coaching staff, while the team has a strong recent record in games played on September 9.