Henderson out, Stevenson unlikely: Kiner is the Patriots' start

On Monday this was a maybe. Now it's settled. The Patriots ruled out TreVeyon Henderson on Wednesday, before they'd even boarded the flight for Sunday's game against the Lions. Rhamondre Stevenson didn't practise either. He hasn't been ruled out yet, but the knee is expected to keep him out for a few weeks. That leaves Corey Kiner as the lead back.

What Kiner gets

Kiner has been the spell back all year. He played 11 snaps behind Stevenson's 45 in Week 8 and broke two long runs, then ran for 55 yards and a touchdown on eight carries against Green Bay. Most of that came after the game was over, so don't read too much into the yardage. What matters is that the carries are his now, with Lan Larison behind him.

He's at 11.8 for Sunday. That's RB2 territory. It isn't easy, though: Detroit is a hard draw for running backs, and if the Patriots fall behind early, Drake Maye throws and Kiner's touches dry up. Start him if you're short at the position. Don't bench a settled RB2 for him.

Then the bye

New England is off in Week 11, which is the only reason Kiner's run might stop at one game. That gives Stevenson two weeks to heal before the Patriots play again. Henderson's illness is the bigger unknown, and the team hasn't given a timeline. So hold both. Neither is a drop, and neither is worth selling while their managers are this nervous.

Kiner isn't a dynasty add unless your league is very deep. A fill-in role for one week doesn't change who this backfield belongs to.

The rest of the offence

A.J. Brown was limited on Wednesday and made the trip, so he has a real chance to play. Hunter Henry is playing through a foot injury again. If Brown is out, DeMario Douglas stays a flex play.