New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson admits season has worn him down

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated Dec 31, 2022 2:16 PM ET

Prior to this season, New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson had never had more than 133 carries in a season dating back to his days at Oklahoma.

But as he closes in on 200 carries this year, Stevenson admitted to reporters on Thursday that his breakout season isn’t without a price.

“Yeah, I don’t think I’ve ever tapped (out) since I’ve been in the league so far, but I’ll be tired out there, to be honest,” Stevenson acknowledged. “I just like to fight through it. Just next play, hope my team needs me on the next play, so I’m prepared to be there for them.”

The focal point of New England’s offense, Stevenson has seen a spike in his usage from 2021 to 2022. His rushing attempts jumped from 133 to 196, and his receptions surged from 14 to 62 with two games remaining.

RBs with 900+ rushing yards and 60+ receptions

Christian McCaffrey
Rhamondre Stevenson pic.twitter.com/jP2sao7kHv
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) December 23, 2022

For context, he had just 165 combined carries and 28 total receptions during his two years at Oklahoma.

Aside from the amplified workload, Stevenson’s body has been through the ringer. The 24-year-old tailback has the sixth-most rushing yards after contact (738) this season, and the third-most yards after contact per rushing attempt (3.7) of running backs with 100 or more carries. He also is tied for the fifth-most broken tackles in the NFL (23).

“I’d say I’m feeling it,” Stevenson added. “I feel what everyone talks about with the NFL season. But I feel like I’m doing a good job taking care of my body, and I’m just trying to stay proactive more than anything. But yeah, I’m feeling the season, for sure.”

Michael Gallagher

Michael Gallagher is a longtime sports journalist based out of Nashville with a decade of experience covering college football, mixed martial arts and prep sports plus the NFL and NHL — specifically the Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators. He’s covered several notable sporting events including an AFC Championship game, a Stanley Cup Final, an NHL All-Star Game and an NHL Stadium Series. Some of his past bylines can be found at the Nashville Scene, SB Nation, The Hockey News and Fox Sports Knoxville

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