Patriots’ Rhamondre Stevenson Out for Key Matchup Against Falcons

The New England Patriots will be without starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson for their home game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed that Stevenson will not participate due to a toe injury that has kept him sidelined throughout the week.

Stevenson leads the Patriots with 83 rushes for 279 yards and three touchdowns this season. His absence will be felt significantly, particularly in pass protection, where his skills have become a vital asset for quarterback Drake Maye as they prepare to face a Falcons defense known for its aggressive approach.

With Stevenson out, the Patriots’ running back depth will be tested. The only other running backs on the current roster are second-round draft pick TreVeyon Henderson and former practice-squad player Terrell Jennings. Henderson, standing at 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 202 pounds, has logged 32% of the offensive snaps this season, while Jennings has seen limited action, participating in just 14 snaps overall.

Depth Chart Adjustments

Recognizing the need for additional support, the Patriots secured the services of running backs D’Ernest Johnson, Jonathan Ward, and rookie Rushawn Baker earlier this week by adding them to their practice squad. One of these players may be elevated to the active roster for the game against the Falcons, as Vrabel noted the importance of maintaining depth in the backfield.

The Falcons boast the highest blitz rate in the league, applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks 47.8% of the time, while allowing the fewest passing yards per game at 149.1. With Stevenson’s pass-protection prowess unavailable, the Patriots will need to quickly adapt their offensive strategy to mitigate the impact of the Falcons’ defensive strengths.

Additionally, the Patriots have been adjusting their roster throughout the season. Veteran Antonio Gibson, who was expected to play a significant role, suffered a torn ACL in Week 5. Jennings has stepped in to fill that void, albeit with limited opportunities so far.

As the Patriots prepare for this crucial matchup, they will rely on Henderson and Jennings to step up in Stevenson’s absence. The game presents an opportunity for both players to showcase their skills and contribute to the team’s efforts against a formidable opponent.