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The New England Patriots will open the 2026 NFL season without one of their most important offensive playmakers. New England officially announced seven inactive players for Wednesday night’s highly anticipated matchup against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Running back TreVeyon Henderson and offensive lineman Ben Brown headline the list, while wide receiver Efton Chism III is a notable healthy scratch. Quarterback Behren Morton, offensive lineman Walter Rouse, linebacker Erick Hunter and cornerback Karon Prunty round out the Patriots’ inactives. Here is New England’s complete list: QB Behren Morton RB TreVeyon Henderson WR Efton Chism III OL Ben Brown OL Walter Rouse LB Erick Hunter CB Karon Prunty The Patriots announced the group shortly before their 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff against Seattle. TreVeyon Henderson’s Absence Changes Patriots’ Backfield Henderson’s absence is the biggest setback for New England. The 23-year-old did not practice during the week because of an ankle injury he suffered Aug. 24. Patriots inactives for NE vs. SEA. pic.twitter.com/8OAbjk3e1I — New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 9, 2026 The second-year running back led the Patriots with 911 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns during his rookie season. He also caught three passes for 26 yards in New England’s Super Bowl LX loss to Seattle. Without Henderson, Rhamondre Stevenson should handle the majority of the work out of the backfield. The veteran rushed for 603 yards last season and scored nine total touchdowns. Brown also was ruled out before game day because of a knee injury and did not travel with the team. His absence creates an opportunity for Jared Wilson, who is expected to start at center in the opener. MORE: Patriots Considered Major Christian Gonzalez Move Before $135M Deal Chism’s inclusion is more surprising because the second-year receiver received opportunities with the starting offense during the preseason. New England, however, entered the opener with the rest of its primary receiving group available, leaving Chism without a spot in the game-night plan. Morton will serve as the Patriots’ emergency third quarterback. He can enter the game only if the two active quarterbacks are unable to continue. There was encouraging news for New England’s defense. Christian Barmore is active after dealing with a knee issue during the week. His availability gives head coach Mike Vrabel an important interior presence against the defending Super Bowl champions. Seattle also will be without several players, including starting nickel safety Nick Emmanwori, safety Ty Okada and wide receiver Tory Horton. Emmanwori’s absence could create favorable matchups for Drake Maye, A.J. Brown and New England’s revamped passing attack.