The New England Patriots are preparing for a fun Week 10 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as they look to extend their winning streak. Rhamondre Stevenson is dealing with a toe injury that kept him out of last week’s game. Will fantasy football managers be without the Patriots RB another game?
Rhamondre Stevenson Injury Update
Stevenson missed the Patriots’ Week 9 game with a toe injury. He had been healthy throughout the 2025 season before this issue surfaced unexpectedly.​
Wednesday brought discouraging news, as Stevenson did not practice to open the week. Typically, players coming off missed games need to at least log a limited session on Wednesday to have any realistic chance of playing Sunday. Missing the first practice of the week following an absence is rarely a good sign.​
Toe injuries are notoriously tricky, as we’ve witnessed with high-profile cases like Joe Burrow and Brock Purdy this season. Both players have dealt with prolonged absences from turf toe issues that have lingered far beyond initial projections. These injuries affect a player’s ability to push off and cut, making them particularly problematic for running backs who rely on explosive movements.​
Thursday brought a glimmer of hope. Stevenson was spotted at practice, which represents a sign of improvement from Wednesday’s complete absence. However, he was not an official participant in the session. This means he was present at the facility and possibly doing some work on the side, but wasn’t cleared to practice with the team.
The fact that Stevenson was at practice and moving around leaves the door open for him returning to a limited session on Friday. Players who progress from DNP to spotted at practice to limited participation sometimes can play, especially veterans who know the system well. Friday becomes crucial for determining his availability.
However, with two DNPs to start the week, Stevenson is tracking to miss another game. The pattern of missing Wednesday and Thursday’s official practice sessions rarely leads to Sunday availability, particularly with an injury like turf toe that limits explosiveness and cutting ability.
The vibes coming out of New England regarding Stevenson’s injury last week were decidedly negative. There were no encouraging updates from head coach Mike Vrabel or hints that Stevenson was progressing well. The organization’s silence and lack of optimism suggested this could still be more than a two-week absence.​
The timing of roster moves last week also painted a concerning picture. The Patriots signed Terrell Jennings to the active roster and showed interest in acquiring additional backfield depth. Teams don’t typically make aggressive moves unless they anticipate extended absences from key players.​
Unless Stevenson logs a limited session Friday and the team expresses confidence in his availability, fantasy managers should expect him to miss Sunday’s game.​
Stevenson’s Fantasy Outlook
With Stevenson sidelined last week, TreVeyon Henderson operated as the clear lead back for New England. The rookie handled the majority of early-down work and saw significantly increased volume compared to his usual role.​
However, Jennings was plenty involved as well and served as the goal line back, vulturing potential touchdown opportunities from Henderson. Vrabel showed confidence in Jennings near the end zone, giving him the carries in short-yardage situations where Stevenson would normally operate.​
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Expect the backfield to look similar this week if Stevenson remains out. Henderson will handle the bulk of the carries and serve as the primary back on early downs, while Jennings continues working as the goal line specialist and change-of-pace option.
Jennings profiles as a desperation touchdown-or-bust RB3 for fantasy purposes. His value is entirely tied to whether he finds the end zone, as his limited volume outside the red zone prevents him from offering any kind of floor. He’s a dart throw for managers desperate for running back help.
Henderson represents a volume-based flex play in what could turn into a high-scoring contest. He won’t provide the touchdown upside that Stevenson typically offers, but the carries should be there to give him a reasonable floor. His explosiveness also provides some big-play potential that could boost his fantasy output.
The matchup and game script could work in Henderson’s favor, but the touchdown vulturing from Jennings significantly caps his ceiling. Fantasy managers starting Henderson should do so with tempered expectations and the understanding that his scoring opportunities may be limited even if he sees 15-plus carries.
Until Stevenson shows up on the practice field in some capacity, fantasy managers should operate under the assumption that he’ll remain out and that New England’s backfield will continue functioning as a committee led by Henderson with Jennings handling goal-line work.
