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Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson to miss Sunday’s game vs. Falcons
New England's backfield could look different on Sunday, as its starting running back's status remains in question.
The Patriots will be without their starting running back when they take on the Falcons on Sunday.
Rhamondre Stevenson is out for Sunday’s game due to a toe injury, Mike Vrabel told reporters on Sunday. Stevenson didn’t participate in any of the team’s three practices this week, while the Patriots head coach wouldn’t say if the injury will be a long-term issue.
With Stevenson out, the Patriots only have two running backs on their active roster (TreVeyon Henderson, Terrell Jennings). Vrabel confirmed that the team will call up one of the three running backs (D’Ernest Johnson, Jonathan Ward, Rushawn Baker) from their practice squad on Saturday for Sunday’s game.
Although he has had fumbling issues (three this season), Stevenson leads the team with 279 rushing yards to go along with three touchdowns. He and Henderson have been carrying the majority of the workload since Antonio Gibson tore his ACL in week 5.
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New England’s rushing offense has left a lot to be desired through the first 8 weeks, ranking 18th in the league for rushing yards per game and 25th in yards per attempt.
The Patriots have already been rumored to be in for a running back before the trade deadline, so we will see if this injury plays a factor in the coming days.
Henderson will likely get the opportunity to lead the backfield. Thus far, Henderson hasn’t gotten as many touches as many expected after his exciting preseason, so this could be a chance for him to prove himself.
Jennings, meanwhile, wasn’t recently signed from the practice squad. After going undrafted in 2024, Jennings says he is ready for the work it takes to play in the NFL.
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“It means a lot,” Jennings said in the locker room on Wednesday via ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “It also means I need to go work harder; getting signed to the 53-man [roster] is just a signature to me. I feel like I still need to do the work I was doing, and actually turn it up some more.”
Jennings has seven carries for 33 yards in the last two games, and will likely serve as the second option behind Henderson this weekend.
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