As the New England Patriots took the field for a walkthrough at the FC Bayern Munich Training Ground on Thursday, running back Rhamondre Stevenson was spotted working off to the side.
Stevenson missed Wednesday’s practice in Foxboro with a knee injury that was initially reported to cause him to miss some time. His presence on the field in Germany, however, offers some optimism that the veteran running back could make a quicker-than-expected return for Sunday’s matchup against the Detroit Lions.
“I
think that just speaks to, first off, the media not really knowing 100% what they’re talking about a lot of the time,” quarterback Drake Maye said of Stevenson’s return. “And just a guy that wants to be out there, wants to be back for his team and we’re in the midst of trying to make a make a run here and win a big one before the bye.
“This is a time for players, a lot of the players on this team that are trying to get out there, play with their teammates and knowing that he’s a great player and can help us out.”
Stevenson initially suffered the injury late in the third quarter of Sunday’s 45-27 loss to the Green Bay Packers after being brought down following a six-yard reception.
Reports indicated that Stevenson suffered a knee tendon issue near the back of his knee and while the injury was not expected to require surgery, he could miss the next few weeks. Stevenson, however, was upgraded to a limited participant Thursday which leaves open the possibility of a quicker return.
“He’s a dawg, man,” wide receiver DeMario Douglas said. “I know some people that probably be like, ‘Man, I ain’t even going to try’, you but his situation, man, I be talking to him [and he’s] like, ‘I’m going to try. I’m going to do what I can do.’ He’s working, he’s getting better. So, when the time comes, I know he’s working to get better.”
Stevenson’s potential return would be a significant boost for a Patriots offense that has dealt with several injuries this season. He has been one of New England’s most dependable players, logging 65% of the team’s offensive snaps while piling up more than 650 total yards and four touchdowns. His contributions in pass protection have also earned consistent praise from teammates and coaches.
Potentially without Stevenson and with No. 2 running back TreVeyon Henderson (illness) already ruled out, the Patriots would be left with Corey Kiner and Lan Larison at running back. Terrell Jennings is also an option on the practice squad.
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels made sure to note Stevenson’s presence in Germany while also expressing confidence in whoever the team rolls out against the Lions on Sunday.
“Anytime you lose players like that, you feel it because he’s such a valuable part of everything you do,” McDaniels said. “But why we have a lot of guys that are taking reps in practice. We’ve had a lot of guys doing that all year long. They know what to do. It might not be the same volume of experience that certainly Rhamondre has, but we got a lot of guys in that room that we have confidence in… And Rhamondre is here too.”
