The New England Patriots will be without one of their top offensive weapons for their Week 6 matchup against the Houston Texans.
The Patriots have ruled out their top running back, Rhamondre Stevenson, due to a foot injury he suffered in last week’s loss to the Miami Dolphins.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter shared the news via Twitter/X.
Patriots officially ruled out RB Rhamondre Stevenson for Sunday’s game against the Texans due to his foot injury. Drake Maye will make his first NFL start without the team’s top running back. pic.twitter.com/RaAiDrglbA
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 11, 2024
Stevenson suffered the injury last week against the Dolphins after he was formally benched before rushing for 89 yards and a touchdown.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said that the team could elevate Kevin Harris or Terrell Jennings from the practice squad. The Patriots have Antonio Gibson and JaMycal Hasty, who could play a massive role against the Texans this Sunday.
“We feel confident about the backs – Gibson, Hasty and we’ll figure out who we’re going to elevate after that,” Mayo said. “But I feel good about it.”
Stevenson isn’t the only key Patriro dealing with injury. They also have CB Isaiah Bolden (Hamstring), WR Kendrick Bourne (Knee), LS Joe Cardona (calf), S Kyle Dugger (ankle), LB Anfernee Jennings (shoulder), CB Marcus Jones (groin), C Nick Leverett (ankle), WR K.J. Osborn (shoulder), G Layden Robinson (Ankle/Wrist), LB Sione Takitaki (knee), and CB Marco Wilson (groin) who are listed as questionable.
Stevenson didn’t practice all week due to the foot injury and told reporters on Sunday that he took a helmet to his calf. Mayo said that he doesn’t view this injury as long-term for the starting running back.
In the season, Stevenson has rushed for 356 yards with three touchdowns and caught 13 passes for 37 yards.
Prior to the start of the sedans, Stevenson signed a four-year, $36 million contract extension that included $17 million guaranteed with the Patriots. However, before their Week 5 matchup against the Dolphins, Mayo had demoted him from his starting role due to fumbling issues.
Before Week 5, Stevenson had fumbled once in every single game. The Patriots are currently on a four-game losing streak after their impressive Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Even with Stevenson, the Patriots’ offense has been dreadful. They ranked 31st in points per game (12.4), yards per game (250.8), yards per play (4.3), and red zone scoring percentage (30.7 percent).
The Patriots offense will get a minor facelift for Week 6, as their rookie quarterback, Drake Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, will get the first start of his career.
Maye will not have his starting running back behind him in his first start.
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