Patriots rookie Henderson shines in NFL preseason

Week 2 of the NFL preseason highlights quarterback races and a rising back with early impact for New England.

Patriots rookie Henderson shines as NFL preseason heats up

Week 2 of the NFL preseason unfolded with a Friday doubleheader and a full Saturday slate. The Titans faced the Falcons and the Chiefs met the Seahawks to open the week, while Saturday delivered big storylines across the league. Browns third-round pick Dillon Gabriel debuted after a hamstring injury, finishing 13 of 18 for 143 yards but also throwing a pick-6 and a botched handoff that led to a fumble.

Indianapolis continued its quarterback duel between Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson. Jones moved the offense more smoothly in two drives, with deep completions to Michael Pittman Jr. and Tyler Warren, while Richardson produced the lone touchdown drive but also showed volatility with an errant throw and a penalty that negated a big play. TreVeyon Henderson kept turning heads for the Patriots, rushing 20 yards on four carries and scoring on a third-and-4 after a 100-yard kickoff return last week. The rest of Week 2 will bring more tests as teams refine their depth charts.

These performances reveal how teams value depth at every position in August. Even when starters sit, the way backups execute can signal intentions for September and beyond. Henderson's early impact hints at a plan in New England that goes beyond a flashy start.

The risk is reading too much into preseason flashes; the real verdict comes when the games matter and players face live defenses for longer stretches. Still, the early signs suggest the league is already sorting players for role and responsibility, not just a hot week.

Highlights

The next weeks will reveal which players actually shape the roster