Patriots Starting RB Misses Second-Straight Practice

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — As the New England Patriots took the fields adjacent to Gillette Stadium for their second practice of Week 9, one player conspicuous by his absence was running back Rhamondre Stevenson.

For the second time in as many days, Stevenson did not participate in on-field team activities. His was the lone absence on the chilly, mist-filled afternoon, as the rest of the Pats prepare for this weekend’s showdown with the Atlanta Falcons. While the possibility of Stevenson returning for the team’s final practice — and thus, suiting up against Atlanta — still exists, his status for this upcoming game is justifiably in question.

Stevenson first appeared on New England’s initial Week 9 injury report. The Oklahoma product was listed with a toe injury after being absent for practice. Though Stevenson may lead the team in both rushing yards [279] and rushing touchdowns [three], the most recognizable stats on his 2025 resume result from fumbles. After fumbling twice in Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers — including one inexcusable mistake along the goal line — several Patriots pundits were calling for the Pats starter to be benched in favor of electrifying rookie TreVeyon Henderson. The calls once again began to surface when Stevenson fumbled while attempting to secure a crucial first down against the Buffalo Bills in Week 5. 

Still, head coach Mike Vrabel has remained steadfast in his support for Stevenson. Not only did the veteran back rebound to score two touchdowns in that very same game against the Bills, he turned in his best performance of the season to date against the Titans. Through eight games, has averaged 3.4 yards per carry, while catching 16 passes for 169 yards.

Stevenson’s Absence Could Shake Up Patriots’ Game Plan vs. Falcons