New England Patriots - NESN.com
Despite early-season fumbling issues, recent criticism from head coach Mike Vrabel and even some trade chatter, New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson has started each of the team’s eight games this season.
The 27-year-old missed his second straight day of practice on Thursday due to a toe injury though, putting his status for Sunday’s Week 9 tilt vs. the Atlanta Falcons in doubt.
Patriots insider Chad Graff of The Athletic wrote on social media that Stevenson’s injury is causing concern about his Week 9 status.
“Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson has missed both of the team’s practices this week due to a toe injury, raising alarms that he may not play Sunday against the Falcons,” Graff posted on Bluesky. “The team’s final practice of the week is tomorrow.”
A potential Stevenson absence could finally open the door for rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson to not only earn the start on Sunday but also get the bulk of the carries in New England’s backfield.
The second-round pick maxed out at 11 carries, 14 touches and 51 yards from scrimmage across the first six games of his career before curiously bottoming out at two rushing attempts for five yards on nine snaps in Week 7.
Henderson’s low usage came during the Patriots’ convincing 31-13 victory against the Tennessee Titans when Stevenson broke out with a season-high 88 rushing yards and one touchdown.
The two rushers had a more even split in Week 8 vs. the Cleveland Browns and Henderson had his best game, carrying 10 times for 75 yards.
New England hosts Atlanta at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
