The New England Patriots will face a challenge this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, as they will play without their starting running back, Rhamondre Stevenson. Coach Mike Vrabel confirmed that Stevenson is out due to a toe injury, having missed the week of practice.
Stevenson has been a key player this season, leading the team with 83 rushing attempts, totaling 279 yards and scoring three touchdowns. The team is now relying on their second-round draft pick, TreVeyon Henderson, and former practice squad player Terrell Jennings to step up in his absence.
Henderson, who has been learning from Stevenson, expressed his determination to perform well for him. “We’re definitely going to give it everything we got in honor of Mondre,” he said. Although his regular-season plays haven’t been flashy, he recently achieved a season-high of 77 rushing yards against the Cleveland Browns.
The Patriots have also strengthened their roster by signing running backs D’Ernest Johnson, Jonathan Ward, and rookie Rushawn Baker to their practice squad. One of them might be called up for additional support in this game.
Vrabel highlighted Stevenson’s value, particularly in pass protection, which will be missed. The Falcons have one of the highest blitz rates in the league and allow the fewest passing yards per game. In this environment, Stevenson’s absence poses a significant risk for rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who will need solid support.
This season, Stevenson has been on the field for 62% of offensive plays, while Henderson has handled 32%. The team’s depth took another hit when veteran Antonio Gibson suffered a torn ACL earlier in the season. Jennings has been filling in but has seen limited action with just 14 snaps.
This situation sheds light on the importance of depth in a team. As injuries mount, such as Gibson’s, teams often need to rely on less experienced players. Henderson’s growth and adaptation will be vital for the Patriots. In times like these, flexibility and determination become essential traits for young athletes in the league.
In recent years, the NFL has seen a rise in rookie performances, with multiple players stepping up under pressure. For instance, in the 2023 season, there was a notable trend: rookies accounted for 25% of total rushing yards in Week 7 alone.
As every game unfolds, teams are learning to adapt fast, and it’s these moments that often shape careers. With the Patriots gearing up for a tough matchup, it will be interesting to see how they adjust and how Henderson and Jennings rise to the occasion.
Source link
