Patriots urged to make a bold trade for Pro Bowl running back after TreVeyon Henderson injury raises fresh concerns

The New England Patriots have a new problem in their backfield after TreVeyon Henderson suffered a high ankle sprain that is expected to keep him out for several weeks. The injury leaves Rhamondre Stevenson carrying more responsibility, with Corey Kiner among the few healthy options behind him. After a 45-17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, New England has reason to feel good about its offense, but losing Henderson limits its depth. That has prompted a trade suggestion involving Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner, a veteran who could help the Patriots stay productive while Henderson recovers.Why the Patriots could trade for James Conner after Henderson’s injuryNBC Boston's Justin Leger has urged New England to consider Conner, whose future in Arizona looks less certain after the Cardinals drafted Jeremiyah Love and signed Tyler Allgeier. Leger pointed to the veteran's uncertain role when he returns from injured reserve, writing:“Conner hasn’t played since Week 3 of last season due to a foot injury. When he returns from IR, which should be soon, he won’t have a clear role on a Cardinals team that drafted rookie phenom Jeremiyah Love and signed the reliable Tyler Allgeier to back him up in the offseason,” wrote Leger.He also stressed that Conner's health should determine whether the Patriots make a move.“Obviously, whether the Patriots should consider acquiring Conner depends entirely on his health status. If he’s ready to make an immediate impact, exploring a trade for him should be a no-brainer.”The argument is easy to understand. Conner offers more than a body to share carries. During the 2024 season, he rushed for 1,094 yards and eight touchdowns, while adding 47 catches for 414 yards and another score. That mix of power running and receiving could give offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels more ways to keep defenses guessing.Conner is also a two-time Pro Bowl selection with experience in Pittsburgh and Arizona. In 110 NFL games, he has averaged 4.4 yards per carry and recorded 72 total touchdowns. Those numbers make him an attractive short-term option, provided he is healthy enough to contribute.Conner could help, but his health makes a trade riskyThe Patriots have reasons to avoid rushing into a deal. Conner is 31 and has not played since suffering a season-ending foot injury in Week 3 of the 2025 season. He managed just 95 rushing yards on 32 carries across three games before going down.That recent history matters. New England would be trading for a player who must first prove he can return to his previous level, not simply relying on his past production. A move only makes sense if the medical outlook supports an immediate role.Henderson's absence still leaves a real gap. As a rookie in 2025, he rushed for 911 yards, averaged 5.1 yards per carry and scored nine rushing touchdowns. His speed gave the Patriots a big-play threat that is difficult to replace with a conventional power back.Stevenson remains capable of handling a larger workload, and his experience gives New England a reliable starting point. But leaning too heavily on him for several weeks could leave the offense short of options if another injury occurs. Kiner may get more chances, though asking an inexperienced player to fill Henderson's role is a different challenge.A late-round draft pick could be a reasonable price for Conner, especially if Arizona is willing to move on from a veteran who has a limited future with the team. Still, the Patriots should not confuse urgency with certainty. Conner could strengthen their backfield, but only if he is ready to play.For a team trying to build on its strong start, the right move is not necessarily the biggest one. New England needs enough depth to protect its offense over the coming weeks, and Conner is worth exploring. His health, however, must decide whether that interest becomes a trade.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.