The New England Patriots acted swiftly after TreVeyon Henderson suffered a high ankle sprain during Sunday’s 45-17 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, and they added former Chargers running back Hassan Haskins to their practice squad. Henderson is expected to miss several weeks but will not require surgery. This situation leaves Rhamondre Stevenson and Corey Kiner to handle most of the immediate workload, while Haskins will provide additional depth.
This move addresses the short-term issue in the backfield, but New England's 3-2 start brings up broader questions for head coach Mike Vrabel and the front office, as the Patriots are just one game behind the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East. With Drake Maye having the offense heading in the right direction, the upcoming trade deadline on November 10 presents an opportunity to enhance a roster that has shown promise over the last five weeks, warranting a focus beyond mere development.
While New England does not need to react to every injury with aggressive spending, especially since several key players are expected to return later in the season, a better strategy would involve identifying players who could strengthen existing weaknesses without compromising the flexibility the organization has worked hard to achieve.
With that balance in mind, three potential target players stand out.
Khalil Mack could strengthen an already dangerous defensive front
If the New England Patriots decide to make a significant move before the trade deadline, Khalil Mack should be at the top of their list. The Los Angeles Chargers have opened the season with a record of 0-5, which puts veterans on expiring contracts under closer scrutiny as the organization considers whether to prioritize future assets. Although Mack is 35 years old, he is still productive enough that any team acquiring him would gain a legitimate pass rusher, rather than simply a recognizable name nearing the end of his career.
Mack would fit well in New England, as he wouldn’t need to shoulder the entire pass rush alone. Christian Barmore and Milton Williams already create challenges on the interior, while Harold Landry’s placement on injured reserve has reduced depth on the edge. Adding Mack, a veteran who can win one-on-one matchups outside, would give Coach Mike Vrabel an additional option for generating pressure without overly relying on blitz packages.
This addition would be especially valuable in late-game situations, where New England’s offense has demonstrated the ability to build leads, forcing opponents into predictable passing scenarios. With Barmore and Williams collapsing the pocket from the inside, Mack could target quarterbacks who are unable to rely on play-action or a balanced run-pass strategy. Moreover, this move aligns with the defensive identity that Vrabel has established. The Patriots have already shown they can control games when their front four performs consistently well. Adding another proven edge defender would make it easier for the secondary to play aggressively without needing extra rushers on every obvious passing down.
Ultimately, the cost will determine whether this move makes sense. Mack is unlikely to command premium draft capital at this stage in his career, especially given that he is on an expiring contract. New England should avoid treating a short-term acquisition as a long-term building block. However, if the Chargers are willing to accept a reasonable middle-round draft pick, the Patriots would be acquiring a veteran who can influence important games without disrupting their overall roster strategy.
Quentin Johnston could offer upside without requiring a major investment
A second conversation with Los Angeles would involve a very different type of player, as Quentin Johnston represents a developmental investment focused on offensive potential rather than a veteran rental meant to provide immediate help on defense.
Johnston has not consistently performed up to the expectations of a first-round receiver since the Chargers drafted him, and his role in the offense has become increasingly uncertain. With Los Angeles struggling and younger players deserving opportunities, the former first-round pick may become available at a significantly lower price than what the Chargers initially invested to acquire him.
This possibility should interest New England because the Patriots do not need Johnston to step in as a featured receiver. The offense has already made a major investment in the position by acquiring A.J. Brown, and his eventual return from a high ankle sprain should solidify a clear No. 1 option for quarterback Maye. Currently, the group has faced continuous changes, with Mack Hollins on injured reserve and Brown missing most of the early season while Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, and Efton Chism III have taken on larger roles.
Johnston would add a different element to the mix. His combination of size and vertical ability would provide Maye with another receiver capable of challenging defenses outside the numbers, allowing Douglas to operate in shorter areas while Brown eventually resumes his central role in the passing game. New England wouldn’t have to create double-digit targets for Johnston to justify the move, even a rotational role could improve spacing and lessen the burden on the rest of the receiving corps.
Trey Pipkins III could give New England valuable offensive line insurance
Will Campbell's knee injury initially raised legitimate concerns after the second-year left tackle exited the game against Las Vegas, but subsequent testing brought the best possible news for New England: Campbell avoided a major injury and is considered week-to-week.
That said, the offensive line position should not be overlooked before the trade deadline. Caleb Lomu stepped in and performed impressively, playing 49 snaps at left tackle and allowing only one hurry. Additionally, Marcus Bryant could eventually return from injured reserve. So, the question is whether the Patriots want to enter the second half of the season with sufficient depth to withstand another injury without resorting to a major lineup reshuffle. Trey Pipkins III could provide exactly that kind of flexibility.
If the Chargers decide to trade, a veteran with experience at both tackle and guard could be attractive to a team that values versatility as much as starting ability. Also, Pipkins’s addition would allow New England to protect itself against various scenarios: Campbell could take longer than expected to recover, Moses could miss time later this season, or the Patriots may choose a different combination to find the best five linemen for specific matchups.
He would also align with the broader philosophy New England should adopt as the trade deadline approaches. Instead of spending a significant draft pick on a player whose usefulness vanishes once Campbell returns, the Patriots would acquire someone who could remain active and contribute throughout the remainder of the season.
The positive update on Campbell reduces the urgency for immediate action, but it doesn’t diminish the value of adding protection around Maye. With a 3-2 record, New England should avoid an indiscriminate spending spree, especially given that the roster still needs to preserve draft capital and maintain flexibility for future seasons. The Patriots are in a better position than they were a year ago, but this doesn’t mean every short-term need should be approached as a championship emergency.
The more sensible approach would be to acquire players whose cost aligns with their role and whose value extends beyond one narrow scenario. Mack could provide an immediate boost to the pass rush, Johnston would offer affordable upside at receiver, and Pipkins could enhance the offensive line without causing the Patriots to overreact to Campbell's injury. Each of these moves addresses a real need while still respecting the long-term vision of the franchise.