New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots will likely rely more on running back Rhamondre Stevenson now that a torn ACL will sideline backup running back Antonio Gibson for the season.
Stevenson will probably need to take on a larger role in the offense, and the team may also consider using him as a kick returner — a role that Gibson has filled for most of his NFL career.
Reporters asked head coach Mike Vrabel on Friday whether Stevenson might continue to step in for Gibson during kick returns.
“We’ll see where it goes on Sunday, Vrabel said, via 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Alex Barth. “We’ve got guys that have worked back there. We just have to get something out of that unit. Rhamondre can fill in, some different skill players.”
Stevenson stepped in to handle kick return duties after Gibson’s injury last week and returned two kicks for a combined 40 yards.
Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson also plays a role on kick returns. It might not be the wisest decision for New England to let both of its top running backs return kicks, especially since Gibson suffered an injury during a return.
The Patriots may want Henderson to handle kick returns, and they may assign Stevenson most of the running game duties to minimize the risk of injuries for both players during special teams.
