Rhamondre Stevenson, the veteran running back, was spotted working off to the side at the FC Bayern Munich Training Ground on Thursday, a sight that immediately sparked optimism for his quicker-than-expected return. Just a day prior, he’d missed practice back in Foxboro with a knee injury, and initial reports had everyone thinking he’d be out for some serious time. But nope, Stevenson’s out there in Germany, pushing to get back on the field.
Defying the Noise: A Dawg Wants to Play
Quarterback Drake Maye didn’t mince words about seeing Stevenson back out there. He basically called out the media, saying they “not really knowing 100% what they’re talking about a lot of the time.” Maye stressed that Stevenson is “just a guy that wants to be out there, wants to be back for his team,” especially with the Patriots trying to “make a run here and win a big one before the bye.” Stevenson initially went down late in the third quarter during Sunday’s 45-27 loss to the Green Bay Packers, taking a hit after a six-yard reception. Reports pointed to a knee tendon issue that wasn’t expected to need surgery, but still, a few weeks on the sidelines seemed likely. The upgrade to a limited participant status on Thursday, though? That throws the door wide open for a much faster return. Wide receiver DeMario Douglas straight up called Stevenson “a dawg, man.” He added, “I know some people that probably be like, ‘Man, I ain’t even going to try’, but his situation, man, I be talking to him [and he’s] like, ‘I’m going to try. I’m going to do what I can do.’” You gotta love that fire.
Massive Boost for a Banged-Up Offense
Let’s be real, Stevenson coming back would be a huge shot in the arm for an offense that’s been battling injuries all season long. The guy is one of their most dependable players, logging 65% of the team’s offensive snaps. We’re talking more than 650 total yards and four touchdowns, plus his pass protection game consistently earns praise from everyone around him. If he can’t go, and with No. 2 running back TreVeyon Henderson already ruled out with an illness, the Patriots would be left with Corey Kiner and Lan Larison to carry the load. Terrell Jennings from the practice squad is also an option, but that’s a thin group right there. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was quick to acknowledge Stevenson’s presence in Germany, but also made sure to express confidence in whoever steps up for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions. He said, “Anytime you lose players like that, you feel it because he’s such a valuable part of everything you do. But why we have a lot of guys that are taking reps in practice. We’ve had a lot of guys doing that all year long. They know what to do. It might not be the same volume of experience that certainly Rhamondre has, but we got” The point is clear: Stevenson’s experience and production are tough to replace.
The Patriots are facing the Detroit Lions on Sunday. With Stevenson pushing to get back on the field and the team desperately trying to “win a big one before the bye,” every single play, every single yard, will matter. Keep your eyes peeled, folks, because this one could be a battle.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply