Nicole Yang

FOXBOROUGH — When A.J. Brown arrived in New England, he already had an idea what to expect from his new quarterback, Drake Maye.

Five thoughts on the Patriots ahead of their season opener ... 1. One position where the Patriots' depth could be tested right away: running back.

FOXBOROUGH — When asked in February at the NFL scouting combine about the challenges of finding a No. 1 receiver, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel brought up Kyle Williams unprompted.

After months of negotiations, the Patriots and star cornerback Christian Gonzalez have finally agreed to terms on a massive contract extension.

SEATTLE — The Patriots ruled out running back TreVeyon Henderson for Wednesday's season-opening game against the Seahawks.

SEATTLE — Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown suffered an ankle injury in the third quarter of Wednesday's season-opening game against the Seahawks.

SEATTLE — As if Wednesday night couldn't get any worse for the Patriots, who blew a 10-point lead against a team playing with its backup quarterback, the team also lost star receiver A.J.

With TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) sidelined, Stevenson was expected to have an increased role. Corey Kiner (eight snaps) and practice squadder Lan Larison (three snaps) occasionally rotated in, but Stevenson was clearly the primary back. He finished as the team leader in touches (18 carries and five catches) and yards from scrimmage (95).

The Patriots plan to sign free agent defensive lineman DaQuan Jones to a one-year deal, a league source confirmed Friday.

Five notes on the Patriots after Week 1 . . . 1. If the trade of Kayshon Boutte heightened the attention surrounding wide receiver Kyle Williams, then the injury to A.J.