Patriots TE Hunter Henry could miss late-December game if wife is in labor

Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback Carson Wentz generated headlines last month when he admitted he would play against the Jacksonville Jaguars even if his wife went into labor shortly before or on game day. As Nat Newell noted for the Indianapolis Star, that ultimately wasn't an issue for the Wentz family, but a different player has made it clear he's willing to miss a contest for a similar occasion. 

Per Zack Cox of NESN, New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry said Wednesday he could be out for a pivotal late-season matchup because his wife, Parker, is due to give birth to the couple's first child in late December.

"That’s a tough conversation, but this is my first, man," Henry explained. "If it had to be a game or seeing my firstborn born, I’m going to go see my child be born. We’re going to do our best to not have that come across. The biggest issue is when the game starts, and then if she goes into labor during the game. That’s where the issue kind of lies.

"But we’re ready, and we have a lot of backup plans to be ready to go." 

The Patriots sit atop the AFC East standings at 8-4, and Henry leads the team with seven touchdown receptions, according to ESPN stats. He's also contributed 35 catches for 394 yards. 

New England plays at the second-place Buffalo Bills (7-4) on Monday night and then enters its bye week.