What happened: The New England Patriots placed running back TreVeyon Henderson on injured reserve Saturday. Head coach Mike Vrabel previously ruled Henderson out due to an illness without a timetable for his return. Under NFL reserve rules, the designation mandates a minimum absence of four games.

Why it matters: The transaction removes a key option from New England's offensive backfield following a 45-27 defeat to the Green Bay Packers. Henderson's prolonged absence forces an adjusted rotation across the next month of the regular season schedule.

What to watch: The Patriots will monitor Henderson's recovery as he serves his mandatory four-game window on injured reserve.