It’s easy to forget, given that TreVeyon Henderson finally had his breakout game with touchdown runs of 55 and 69 yards on Sunday for the New England Patriots.
But it wasn’t Henderson who was given the first carry of that Week 10 contest by the Pats.
No, the first run went to Terrell Jennings.
Part of Henderson’s breakthrough came in the second half after Jennings had gotten injured. That’s not to say it wouldn’t have happened. But it’s worth noting.
It’s a quick turnaround for the Patriots now, taking on the New York Jets to open Week 11 on Thursday Night Football.
Jennings is dinged up, and that could end up mattering for Henderson’s night.
Jennings is officially questionable for Thursday night.
He got in a couple of limited practices this week while dealing with a knee injury.
If Jennings plays, it limits Henderson’s upside a bit. The rookie got 14 carries two weeks ago with Jennings also out there, so he’s likely looking at a similar number even in something resembling a timeshare. But the Pats will have that alternative.
If Jennings is out, it probably leaves D’Ernest Johnson (or another practice squad promotion) as Henderson’s backup, and New England doesn’t seem as inclined to give him touches. In that scenario, Henderson probably gets 20 or more touches against an overmatched Jets team.
Inactives come out about 6:50 p.m. ET.
For fantasy players, Henderson is worth starting either way. He’s a much safer play if Jennings is out, though.
The NFL world once again surged after Erin Andrews posed a bold doubt on television broadcast: “Has the time come for the San Francisco 49ers to step out of Brock Purdy’s shadow?”
– and right after that, she affirmed: “Mac Jones could be the answer the 49ers are looking for.” That statement immediately divided public opinion, between those loyal to Purdy and those who believe the handover moment has begun in the Bay Area.
After Brock Purdy suffered a shoulder injury in Week 2 and had to sit out most of the season, the 49ers handed over the leadership of the offense to Mac Jones, who just joined the team in early October. Since taking the starting position, Jones has helped San Francisco achieve a 6–4 record, secure three consecutive wins and breathe new life into Head Coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
Faced with the controversial comments, Mac Jones chose a calm way to respond instead of reacting harshly. “I am not here to replace anyone,” he said after practice at Levi’s Stadium.
Head Coach Kyle Shanahan also quickly expressed his view when asked about the “Purdy – Jones debate”: “Both are wonderful men and professional role models. We do not choose between them – we choose to win together.”
This statement received strong agreement from fans, who have always been proud of the 49ers’ “team over individual” culture.
Although the media tried to turn it into a competition between two eras, the truth remains very clear in Santa Clara: Brock Purdy is the one who started this journey, and Mac Jones is continuing to write it. With team spirit and mutual respect, the 49ers are not just regaining form – they are showing the entire NFL that the true mettle of a champion does not lie in the name on the jersey, but in the symbol on the left chest.