New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson has been informed that he won’t be starting in Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins.
Patriots coach Jerod Mayo said earlier in the week that there was a chance the team would bench Stevenson, who has fumbled once in all four regular season games so far.
When speaking with Scott Zolak, via ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Mayo explained the running back situation heading into Week 5.
“Had a conversation with Rhamondre [Stevenson] and he won’t be starting … I’ll be upfront and transparent. But he will play. And he understands he has to protect the football going forward,” said Mayo.
Jerod Mayo, to @scottzolak, on Patriots All-Access regarding his plans at RB on Sunday: “Had a conversation with Rhamondre [Stevenson] and he won’t be starting … I’ll be upfront and transparent. But he will play. And he understands he has to protect the football going forward…”
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 5, 2024
Stevenson being demoted likely means veteran rusher Antonio Gibson will be the Patriots’ top running back option against Miami.
One has to wonder how much Stevenson will factor into the game. Will he serve as the No. 2 option, or is this a situation where he’ll get limited reps behind both Gibson and JaMycal Hasty?
It’s a tough decision on Mayo’s end, but it’s obviously aimed with the intention of Stevenson learning from his mistakes and coming back stronger.
