FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — TreVeyon Henderson electrified the New England Patriots’ preseason opener, bursting onto the NFL scene with a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown that set the tone for a dominant 48-18 victory over the Washington Commanders.
The rookie running back, selected in the second round out of Ohio State, wasted no time showcasing his speed and vision. He fielded the opening kickoff deep in his own end zone, exploded through a gaping hole up the middle and outran the coverage unit untouched for the score. That play alone injected energy into Gillette Stadium and gave the Patriots an immediate 7-0 lead.
TreyVeyon Henderson contributed beyond special teams. He carried the ball once for 18 yards, displaying quick cuts and acceleration on a run that helped sustain a drive. In the passing game, he caught all three targets for 12 yards, including a short screen that he turned into positive yardage despite tight coverage. He shared snaps with veteran Rhamondre Stevenson in the first-team offense, entering on several third-down situations and after first downs. Henderson logged seven snaps with starting quarterback Drake Maye, matching Stevenson’s workload in those series.
The Patriots offense hummed throughout the night, racking up points against a Commanders squad that rested many starters. New England scored on its second possession after Henderson’s return with a Drake Maye touchdown run, then added touchdowns from later drives led by backups. The defense forced turnovers and limited Washington to field goals early, building a big halftime lead that ballooned in the second half.
Henderson’s versatility stood out. He lined up in various formations, including the slot for screens and swings, hinting at his potential as a mismatch weapon. His blocking in pass protection drew praise internally, as he chipped edge rushers to give Maye extra time. The 22-year-old, who amassed over 3,700 rushing yards and 48 touchdowns in college, appeared comfortable in his pro debut, navigating traffic with the elusiveness that made him a draft darling.
Teammates marveled at his burst, likening him to a lightning bolt slicing through the field. His performance validated the Patriots’ decision to draft him 38th overall, aiming to add explosiveness to a backfield that leaned on Stevenson’s power last season. Henderson’s kick return marked the longest such play for New England since 2017 and highlighted changes under the NFL’s new kickoff rules, which encourage more returns.
The game unfolded without major injuries for the Patriots, though wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk exited early with a shoulder issue. Maye overcame an early fumble to lead a touchdown drive, while backups like Ben Wooldridge threw for over 100 yards. Special teams shone overall, with Henderson’s return sparking a unit that blocked well and covered effectively.
Henderson’s outing positions him as a key piece in New England’s rebuilt offense. He could challenge for passing-down duties immediately, complementing Stevenson’s bruising style. The Patriots next face the Minnesota Vikings on Aug. 16, where Henderson aims to build on this momentum.
The win, New England’s highest-scoring preseason effort ever, signals big improvement under new head coach Mike Vrabel. Yet, the focus remains on TreyVeyon Henderson, whose debut blended speed, skill and poise, offering a glimpse of the dynamic threat he could become in the regular season.
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