New England Patriots TE Henry Ruled Out With Knee Injury

The New England Patriots will be without one of their top pass catchers for the rest of Week 16. Tight end Hunter Henry has been ruled out with a knee injury for the remainder of today's showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Patriots injury update: TE Hunter Henry is downgraded to out (knee).
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 24, 2022

Henry exited after colliding with teammate Jonnu Smith on the Patriots' first drive. His absence coincided with the Bengals battering the Patriots for a 22-0 lead in the first half.

Henry had been in the middle of another solid season for the Patriots before his injury. He had nabbed 30 receptions for 415 yards in his 14 appearances. His absence may provide an insurmountable obstacle for a Patriots offense that was already struggling entering today's game.

Henry initially joined the Patriots via free agency in 2020 on a three-year, $37.5 million deal. At the time, it placed him among the league's highest-paid tight ends. He has delivered reliable if unspectacular play in 31 appearances for the Pats before today's game, totalling 1018 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.