Stevenson gives optimistic injury update, ‘should be ready’ to return originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The New England Patriots need to restart their rushing attack in Week 7 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and a good way to accomplish that goal would be to get Rhamondre Stevenson back into the lineup.

Stevenson suffered a foot injury during the Week 5 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The injury sidelined him during the Week 6 loss to the Houston Texans.

Fortunately for the Patriots, Stevenson sounds optimistic about playing Sunday’s game at London’s Wembley Stadium.

“I’m feeling good now, I had to take a few days off,” Stevenson told reporters in London on Friday. “I feel like I should be ready to play on Sunday.”

🔊 Patriots Talk Podcast: Will Patriots maintain urgency in 2024 despite rebuilding? | Listen and subscribe | Check out YouTube

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo also provided an update on Stevenson’s status on Friday.

“We’ll see today, but he’s getting closer, so it will probably be a game-time decision,” Mayo said at his press conference.

The Patriots’ run game struggled without Stevenson in last week’s loss, tallying just 82 yards on 26 carries (3.2 yards per attempt) against the Texans. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye was the team’s leading rusher with 38 yards. Veteran running back Antonio Gibson, who started in Stevenson’s absence, picked up just 19 rushing yards on 13 carries.

Stevenson is arguably the Patriots’ best offensive player. He leads the team with 356 rushing yards (4.6 per carry) and he is the only player on the roster with a rushing touchdown (he has three) through six games. He is also a reliable pass catcher out of the backfield.

Ball security has been an issue for Stevenson this season. He fumbled in each of the first four games, leading to Gibson bringing him up in Week 5.

One way for the Patriots to make Maye’s life easier on Sunday is to run the football effectively. Despite his fumbling issues, Stevenson is the player best equipped to take on that responsibility for the Patriots.

“Hopefully we can get the run game going this week,” Maye said at a news conference Friday. “I think that’s a big emphasis especially in this league, and for our offense as well. Get the run game going, get some passing lanes going, get other guys getting the football.”