The New England Patriots received more devastating injury news on Tuesday morning.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Rhamondre Stevenson will miss a “few weeks” with a high ankle sprain he suffered against the Chargers in Week 13.
Stevenson had to be helped off the field after losing a fumble in the first quarter. The 25-year-old running back remained down on the field and couldn’t put any weight on his right leg when departing to the lockerroom. The Patriots quickly announced that the running back would be questionable to return with an ankle injury but then ruled him out at halftime.
The former fourth-round pick started his third season slow but quickly regained his speed and has totaled 619 rushing yards on 156 carries, along with recording 38 catches for 238 yards. Stevenson was on a hot streak that past three games, recording 100+ scrimmage yards in each of his last three games.
After Stevenson left the field, veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott became the number 1 option and finished with 52 yards on 17 attempts. The former Pro-Bowler recorded a season-high 44 snaps. On the season, Elliott has registered 429 rushing yards on 112 carries, averaging 3.83 yards an attempt.
On Monday, Eliott spoke for the first time since Stevenson suffered his injury.
“It’s tough to see guys go down,” Elliott told the assembled media at his press conference. “I kn9ow it’s part of the sport, but Rhamondre has been very good for us this year in the passing game and run game. You hate to see one of your brothers go down.”
Stevenson hasn’t been placed on the season-ending IR yet, but with the Patriots record and playoff chances, it’ll be a surprise if he returns this season.
Besides Zeke, it will be up to veterans Ty Montgomery and JaMycal Hasty to carry the workload. 2022 sixth-round draft pick Kevin Harris is also an option but he would have to be brought up from the practice squad. It’s important to note the Patriots usually carry three active running backs on the 53-man roster. So, it’s possible we see another running back added to the team.
The Patriots can be eliminated from the AFC playoff race with a loss on Thursday night football against the Steelers. Game time is set for 8:15 p.m.
New England can be eliminated from playoff contention with a loss in Thursday night’s road game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
