Old issue resurfaces in big way for Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson

One issue has prevented Rhamondre Stevenson of the New England Patriots from becoming a standalone running back: fumbles.

During the 2024 season, Stevenson — a 2021 fourth-round pick out of Oklahoma — had a career-high seven fumbles in 15 games, losing three. According to Jake Seymour of WBZ-FM in Boston, Stevenson's fumble total was the most for a non-quarterback last season. 

Rhamondre Stevenson insisted he was working on ball security during the offseason

Stevenson still kept fumbling during an August scrimmage against the Washington Commanders. He acknowledged it was a mistake and said he was working on taking better care of the ball. 

"I can't do that," Stevenson said after losing a fumble in the scrimmage against Washington, via Seymour. "A mistake happened, you know it's training camp. Hopefully, I can just get that out of the way right now and go into the season clean." 

At the beginning of the season, it appeared he had addressed the problem. In his first two games against the Las Vegas Raiders and Miami Dolphins, Stevenson had no fumbles. However, in Sunday's home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the issue struck the RB once again. 

Rhamondre Stevenson had two costly fumbles against Steelers 

Stevenson's first fumble came on New England's first offensive drive of the game. Pittsburgh linebacker Cole Holcomb punched the ball out, and cornerback Darius Slay recovered it. 

Stevenson's second fumble was even more costly. With the Steelers leading 14-7 early in the third quarter, the Patriots had the ball at Pittsburgh's one-yard line. New England handed the ball to the RB, but defensive tackle Cameron Heyward forced a fumble, and second-year linebacker Payton Wilson recovered.