At 3-10 and down three scores in the fourth quarter, the New England Patriots likely just wanted to leave their contest with the Kansas City Chiefs healthy. Unfortunately, TE Hunter Henry suffered an apparent knee injury before the final whistle.
Hunter Henry Injury Update
Henry has been one of the lone bright spots in the black hole that has been the Patriots’ 2023 season. And against the Chiefs, he was having his best game of the season, catching seven passes for 66 yards and one TD.
Yet, early in the fourth quarter, Henry hobbled off the field after a tackle from Chiefs CB L’Jarius Sneed.
#Patriots TE Hunter Henry left the game for the medical tent after getting injured on this tackle.
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 17, 2023
The Patriots have already ruled him as questionable to return with a knee injury, but it would be surprising to see Henry back on the field in this one.
As a result, expect Mike Gesicki in for the rest of Week 15. Based on the mechanics of the injury, Henry likely suffered a thigh contusion, but a true knee injury can’t be ruled out until further tests are completed.
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If he misses more than just this game, Gesicki and TE3 Pharaoh Brown would see an increase in opportunities. WR Demario Douglas would also likely receive more work in the short passing game. Henry has logged 353 yards and five TDs (team high) on 34 receptions this season.
Speaking to reporters after New England’s loss, Henry would not reveal whether he was physically able to return to Sunday’s game but indicated his knee is feeling “alright,” per Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald.
Fantasy Fallout From Henry’s Injury
The search for a leading man in the Patriots’ passing game may continue past Week 15, with Henry getting banged up in the second half against the Chiefs.
Henry saw a season-high nine targets and consequently produced a season-high-tying seven receptions for 66 yards and a score before suffering his injury. If Henry misses any time in the coming weeks, look for Gesicki and Douglas to potentially see an expanded role in the Pats’ passing game moving forward.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Derek Tate