Report: Patriots make key decision on Rhamondre Stevenson’s status vs. Jaguars
The New England Patriots are acting as if they expect lead running back Rhamondre Stevenson to return and play against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 7. That’s obvious based on the big decision the Pats made ahead of the game at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, October 21.
Specifically, the Patriots “didn’t promote a RB from the practice squad, which would have been necessary if they weren’t planning to have Stevenson,” according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
He reported the “Patriots are expecting RB Rhamondre Stevenson to play Sunday in London vs. Jaguars.” Schefter also included a tweet from his colleague Mike Reiss showing Stevenson telling reporters he’s “feeling like I should be ready to play on Sunday.”
Stevenson’s return would be a major boost for a struggling offense. The fourth-year pro missed last week’s 41-21 defeat to the Houston Texans with a foot injury, but he remains the driving force of one of the NFL’s better rushing attacks.
Combining Stevenson’s power and speed with the arm talent of rookie quarterback Drake Maye, making his second-straight start, can help the Patriots win for the first time since Week 1.
Rhamondre Stevenson Still Vital to Patriots Offense
Stevenson was last in action against the Miami Dolphins in Week 5, when he averaged an eye-catching 7.4 yards per carry. The number was a timely reminder No. 38 remains vital to New England’s offense, at least when he protects the ball.
Securing the football is a notable issue for Stevenson, who fumbled four times in as many games to start the season. Head coach Jerod Mayo was initially prepared to let Stevenson play through the problem, but the plan changed when the player lost the starting role for the visit of the Dolphins.
Stevenson was missed against the Texans, when the Patriots averaged just 3.2 yards a rush. Things should be different this week against a Jaguars defense that’s allowed 4.3 yards per run, 40 first downs and seven scores on the ground.
