Patriots' Drake Maye rips 'the media' after Rhamondre Stevenson returns to practice following worrisome injury report

A recent report suggested that the 5-4 New England Patriots would be without lead running back Rhamondre Stevenson for at least the club's game against the 6-2 Detroit Lions in Munich, Germany.

The RB suffered what was said to be "a knee tendon issue" late in the third quarter of the club's 45-27 blowout loss to the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 8. 

Thus, eyebrows were raised when it was learned on Thursday that Stevenson was on the practice field. While speaking with reporters during his scheduled media availability, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye had some choice words for some who cover the team. 

Rhamondre Stevenson "wants to be out there" for Patriots

"I think that just speaks to, first off, the media not really knowing 100 percent what they’re talking about a lot of the time," Maye said, as shared by Mark Daniels of MassLive. "First off, a guy that wants to be out there. Wants to be back for his team. We’re in the midst of trying to make a run here and win a big one before the bye. So, this is a time for a lot of the players on this team to try and get out there, play for their teammates. He’s a great player, and he can help us out."

Fellow Patriots ball-carrier TreVeyon Henderson is said to be out indefinitely after he recently "experienced an unexpected and unusual medical emergency involving a series of unexplained neurological symptoms." As for Stevenson, he leads the Patriots with 102 carries and 399 rushing yards this season. Over nine games, he rushed for two touchdowns. 

If Stevenson can't go against Detroit, third-choice option and second-year undrafted player Corey Kiner would be on track to serve as New England's RB1. Thus far this season, Kiner has rushed for 244 yards and a touchdown on 50 carries.

Rhamondre Stevenson may "try" to play this weekend?

Per Alex Barth of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas teased that there is a legitimate chance Stevenson could play against the Lions. 

"I know some people that probably, like, 'Man, I ain't even finna try.' But his situation, man, I be talking to him be like, 'I finna try. I finna do what I can do,'" Douglas said about Stevenson. "He's working. He's getting better. When the time comes, I know he's working to get better."

Those comments would lead one to believe that Stevenson could at least be a game-time decision regarding the Week 10 matchup.