FOXBORO, Mass. — Fear not, Rhamondre Stevenson owners: The New England Patriots running back appears to be just fine.
Stevenson suffered a finger injury during last Thursday’s road loss to the New York Jets. He returned later in the game but lost a fumble, causing many to wonder whether the finger issue contributed to the mistake. Antonio Gibson replaced Stevenson for the Patriots’ next and final drive of the game.
However, Stevenson was on the field for the media-access portion of Monday’s practice and was present again for Wednesday’s session. He also wasn’t seen wearing a brace during pre-practice locker room availability.
We’ll learn more about Stevenson’s status when the Patriots release their first injury report ahead of Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Let’s get into everything else we saw during Wednesday’s Patriots practice.
Patriots Practice Attendance | Wednesday, Sept. 25
The Patriots had only two players absent from Wednesday’s practice:
- LB Ja’Whaun Bentley
- CB Alex Austin
Austin also missed Monday’s practice. The depth cornerback appeared to suffer an injury during the loss to the Jets, so his Week 4 status is up in the air.
Alex Austin was the only player absent during the media-access portion of today's Patriots practice pic.twitter.com/wlYyqFXgow
— Dakota Randall (@DakRandall) September 25, 2024
Bentley’s absence was expected, as he could miss the rest of the season due to a torn pectoral muscle. Before practice, head coach Jerod Mayo said the Patriots would place Bentley on injured reserve and fill his captaincy void with safety Kyle Dugger.
Tackle Vederian Lowe, guard Michael Jordan, and edge rusher Anfernee Jennings all appeared limited during practices. All three were limited on Monday as well.
Guard Sidy Sow was in full pads and participating for the second practice in a row. He’d been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury in the preseason finale.
Assorted Notes From Wednesday’s Patriots Practice
- Bentley attended practice in street clothes and with his left arm in a sling. He had a long conversation with Mayo before reporters left the field.
LB Ja’Whaun Bentley is here in a sling watching practice alongside Jerod Mayo.
The captain is set to be placed on IR today. pic.twitter.com/2BjilDkh95
— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) September 25, 2024
- Tight end Hunter Henry was back at practice after sitting out Monday’s session. He likely was given a veteran’s rest day.
TE Hunter Henry is back at #Patriots practice. pic.twitter.com/FLbnKyxeF7
— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) September 25, 2024
- The Patriots worked on edge-setting drills early in practice. Their failure to contain Geno Smith and Aaron Rodgers was a key factor in losing the last two games.
One drill from Patriots practice: Set the edge in the running game — LB Jahlani Tavai (48) working against practice-squad TE Mitchell Wilcox (86).
Getting back to these type of fundamentals has been a point of emphasis for the team this week. pic.twitter.com/VpW9zLsNzV
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 25, 2024
- The Patriots will practice again Thursday and Friday before traveling to San Francisco on Friday afternoon. Sunday’s game against the 49ers is scheduled to kick off at 4:05 p.m. ET.