Patriots tight end Hunter Henry is expected to miss “a couple of weeks” as he nurses a shoulder injury (Twitter link via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com). Fortunately, Schefter hears it’s not especially serious, so Henry hopes to be ready in time for Week 1. 
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Henry inked a three-year, $37.5MM deal with the Patriots in March. The pact included $25MM in full guarantees, proof that the Pats are confident in his long-term health. However, if he misses time, the Patriots still have fellow newcomer Jonnu Smith to lead the way.
Henry missed the entire 2018 campaign with a torn ACL. He’s played at least 12 games in his other four seasons, he also never played a full 16 while with the Chargers. In 2020, Henry hauled in 60 catches for 613 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games.
Smith, meanwhile, is set to earn a whopping $50MM over the next four years with $31.25MM guaranteed. The former Titan enjoyed his best year yet in 2020, posting 41 grabs for 448 yards and eight touchdowns.
Mr Ertz, come on down
Nah Henry only out for a couple weeks hopefully ready for opening day
If they signed henry expecting him not to get hurt then they’re high
Shocker
Smith is a good receiver, so the Pats should be okay. Henry is a much better blocker than Smith though, who does not excel at all in that department and the Patriots value blocking very highly historically from that position. I wondered why they had signed two veterans both ax receivers there with one of them expected to be second string who doesn’t block well, which makes him harder to use. In this instance, though, Smith will be a good replacement receiving-wise for Henry.