Josh McDaniels Hints at Patriots Trade Deadline Plans amid RB Rumors

The New England Patriots have been one of the best stories of the 2026 season, starting 6-2 behind fantastic second-year quarterback Drake Maye and new head coach Mike Vrabel.

If there's been a pronounced weakness, however, it's been the play of the running backs, leading to rumors that the team could acquire a player at the position ahead of the trade deadline.

Don't count on it.

"I think we have all the answers we need," offensive coordinator Josh McDaniel told reporters when asked about that topic.

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Veteran Rhamondre Stevenson leads the team with 279 rushing yards and three touchdowns, but his fumbling issues—a career kryptonite—have persisted this season (two lost fumbles). Rookie TreVeyon Henderson came into the season with big expectations but has only rushed for 228 yards and a touchdown, adding 16 catches for 99 yards.

He did look good in Sunday's win over the Cleveland Browns, however, rushing 10 times for 75 yards. Getting him more involved in the offense in the second half of the season could perhaps be the answer McDaniel was referencing.

"I thought he ran well out in space," Vrabel told reporters regarding Henderson's performance against the Browns. "I thought he made a good cut on one of those perimeter plays. Continue to work and got a couple returns, and I feel like we could be better there. But being able to have his speed on the edge, we're going to try to use all of the skill players that we have."