Patriots will face Texans without top offensive playmaker
The New England Patriots will be without running back Rhamondre Stevenson when they face the Houston Texans on Sunday.
The New England Patriots’ passing game will have more on its plate than initially expected when Drake Maye makes his first NFL start this Sunday. That’s because the run game will be without a key player.
On Friday’s injury report, the Patriots ruled running back Rhamondre Stevenson (foot) out for the game. Stevenson missed practice all three days this week.
Through five games, Stevenson leads the Patriots with 90 touches (more than double the next-closest player) and 393 yards from scrimmage (100 yards more than the next-closest player). He’s also scored three of the team’s five offensive touchdowns.
Without Stevenson, backup running back Antonio Gibson will likely take on a larger role. He’s second on the team behind Stevenson in both touches (43) and total yards (293). Head coach Jerod Mayo also suggested on Friday the Patriots could elevate one of their running backs from the practice squad, either Kevin Harris or rookie Terrell Jennings.
Stevenson was the only player ruled out by the Patriots on Friday. 11 others are questionable, including long snapper Joe Cardona (calf). Cardona was added to the injury report on Friday after being limited in practice. The Patriots did sign another long-snapper – Tucker Addington – to the practice squad on Friday.
Safety Kyle Dugger (ankle) is also questionable after returning to practice mid-week. Dugger missed last week’s game against Miami. Other starters who are questionable include wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (knee), center Nick Leverett (ankle), and linebacker Anfernee Jennings. Tackle Vederian Lowe (knee), defensive tackle Davon Godchaux (elbow), and cornerback Jonathan Jones (shoulder) were all removed from the injury report.
The Texans ruled out three players, including two starting defensive backs in Kamari Lassiter (shoulder) and safety Jimmie Ward (groin). Receiver Robert Woods (foot) was also ruled out. Three players are questionable including running back Joe Mixon (ankle), who returned to practice this week for the first time since Week 2.
