TreVeyon Henderson’s Role vs Giants: Patriots RB Active but Not Starting on Monday Night Football

New England Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson enters Monday Night Football under an unusually bright spotlight, as both coaches and analysts weigh how big his role will be against the New York Giants. Hours before kickoff on December 2, reports out of Foxborough indicated that Henderson is active but will not start, with veteran back Rhamondre Stevenson set to reclaim the opening snaps in the backfield.

The decision marks a notable twist in Henderson’s first NFL season. Recent coverage describes the move as a return to the Patriots’ pre‑injury pecking order, with Stevenson again positioned as the primary early‑down option while Henderson shifts back to more of a complementary role. The staff has emphasized that Henderson is healthy and fully available, suggesting the choice is grounded in usage philosophy and trust in Stevenson’s experience rather than any setback for the rookie.

That context makes Henderson one of the most intriguing players on the field for both fantasy managers and bettors. Across national betting analysis and fantasy breakdowns published today, Henderson is repeatedly framed as a potential swing factor: his touches may fluctuate, but his explosive upside is difficult to ignore. Some analysts highlight his ability to flip a drive with a single big run or reception, framing him as a high‑variance option whose impact could outstrip his snap share if the game script tilts New England’s way.

Advanced projections for Patriots‑Giants, including AI‑driven models released on Monday, generally back New England as a one‑score favorite and treat Henderson as an X‑factor behind the headliners at quarterback. The data leans toward a conservative workload for the rookie early, but notes that his role could expand quickly if the Patriots seek a spark or lean into a more explosive, space‑driven rushing attack. In other words, even in a non‑starting role, Henderson looms large in the algorithms’ scenarios where New England pulls away.

For Honyve readers tracking Henderson’s rise from college star to professional playmaker, tonight’s game offers a revealing snapshot. Being edged out of the starting lineup by a proven veteran is a reminder of how steep the adjustment can be for even the most talented backs. Yet the very fact that so much of today’s pregame conversation centers on Henderson’s potential impact underscores how firmly he has already planted himself in the Patriots’ long‑term plans—and how closely his every carry will be watched under the Monday night lights.