Rhamondre Stevenson's Return Timeline Revealed After Knee Injury vs. Packers image
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
A Patriots backfield that was already thin is about to get thinner.
TreVeyon Henderson hasn't practiced since Oct. 29 as he dealt with "a series of unexplained neurological symptoms," with the running back sharing an update on his health last week. It remains unclear when Henderson, who said the cause of his medical emergency "remains unknown and unexplainable," will be back on the field.
After a blowout loss to the Packers on Sunday, the Patriots will now be dealing with an injury to their other starting-level running back, Rhamondre Stevenson.
Here's how long Stevenson is expected to be sidelined with a knee injury suffered in Week 9.
Rhamondre Stevenson Injury Update
Stevenson had 32 rushing yards, 46 receiving yards and a touchdown despite the Patriots' loss to the Packers in Week 9. Particularly in Henderson's absence, he's been leaned upon to generate offense out of the backfield, with second-year back Corey Kiner also seeing an increased role.
However, Stevenson is now dealing with a "plantaris tendon issue in the back of his knee," according to Ian Rapoport, which will cause him to miss time.
Stevenson isn't expected to miss a significant amount of time, but will at least be out "the next few weeks" with his injury, per Rapoport. He will not undergo surgery.
New England will host the Lions in Week 10, then goes on its bye in Week 11. If Stevenson can be ready within three weeks, a Week 12 return against the Chargers could make sense. If not, the Patriots could certainly use him for matchups against the Bills, then Vikings, in the following two weeks.
With the assumption that Henderson will remain sidelined, it represents a significant opportunity for Kiner to prove himself. So far this season, the former Cincinnati running back has totaled 244 rushing yards and a touchdown in nine games, including 55 yards against the Packers in Week 9.
Kiner is in line to start for the Patriots moving forward, while Lan Larison could also see some snaps at running back in Stevenson's shorter-term absence.
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