Patriots tight end Hunter Henry is only dealing with a “minor” injury, according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic. He “should return soon” and there’s “minimal concern” about his status. So, it appears that the Pats have dodged a bullet, after the offense had entered joint practice with the Panthers in great health.

Henry practiced Monday at Gillette Stadium, but left early with the injury and did not return. He had to miss both joint practices against Carolina. Jonnu Smith led the way at tight end in his place, while Devin Asiasi and Matt Sokol saw an increased workload in team drills.

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Henry played a full season for the first time in his NFL career in 2021 for the Patriots, playing in all 17 games with 10 starts. He caught 50 passes for 603 yards, and his nine receiving touchdowns led the team.

Henry played in just 55 of a possible 80 games in the first five seasons of his NFL career, all with the Chargers. That includes missing the entire 2018 season after tearing his ACL during OTAs. However, Henry has also fallen victim to a string of freakish injuries during his career, including a lacerated kidney in 2017 and a tibial plateau fracture in 2019.

Henry also missed time during 2021 training camp with the Patriots, but obviously returned to be available for every game in the regular season, and the Wild Card round against the Buffalo Bills. When on the field in 2022 camp, he’s expectedly played a major role in the offense. He’s projected to start with Smith when the Pats come out in 12 personnel (two tight ends), and factor heavily into the passing game, especially on third down and in the red zone.

Oct 10, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) makes a catch during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots have reportedly signed tight end Jalen Wydermyer, who was recently cut by the Bills. In light of the latest report on Henry, this is purely a depth/precautionary move. Henry is likely to miss Friday’s preseason game against Carolina, and if Smith rests for the game, Wydermyer will give Head Coach Belichick a third option behind Asiasi and Sokol.

Hunter Henry Career Stats

Based on Howe’s report, Henry may be ready to return for practice early next week. The Patriots are no longer holding open practices, with their third and final preseason game coming up on Aug. 26.

We’ll continue to keep you covered throughout the 2022 campaign. Click here for all Patriots training camp coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.