Return of running back could provide Patriots a glimmer of hope

Afterward, Stevenson spoke to the media and said he "feels like I should be ready to play Sunday."

Assuming Stevenson is cleared to return, it would be huge for a struggling Patriots team that recently switched to rookie QB Drake Maye in light of Jacoby Brissett's inconsistency (39.6 QBR, 29th in NFL). 

Maye showed a lot of positive signs against the Texans, completing 20 of his 33 pass attempts for 243 yards and three TDs, but he tossed two interceptions and was sacked four times. 

With inexperience at QB and a porous offensive line in pass protection, the team's leading rusher (356 rush yards, three TDs) will take some of the load off Maye if he can play.

The Patriots did not have lofty expectations heading into the 2024 season under new head coach Jerod Mayo, but their schedule is at least manageable. 

The Patriots are 1-5 and lack the star power, but they only face three teams the rest of the season that are currently above .500. New England will play at the 4-2 Chicago Bears in Week 10, host the 3-2 Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17 and play division rival Buffalo (4-2) twice in the final three weeks of the season.

If he returns, Stevenson will provide the Patriots a glimmer of hope.