The New England Patriots managed to grind out a 27-14 victory over the New York Jets in Week 11, but they did it without a key offensive weapon. Veteran running back Rhamondre Stevenson was sidelined with an injury, and his status remains a major question mark.
As the Patriots prepare for a Week 12 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, the team and its fans are eagerly awaiting the return of their lead back to the field.
Will Rhamondre Stevenson Finally Return Against the Bengals?
Stevenson has been out of action since suffering a toe injury in the Patriots’ Week 8 victory against the Cleveland Browns. His absence continued through the team’s Week 11 game on Thursday Night Football. Leading up to that contest, the Patriots’ injury report showed Stevenson had two limited practice sessions before getting a day off on Wednesday.
Because the game was on a Thursday, the team may have opted for caution. Instead of rushing him back on a short week, New England gave him extra days to rest and recover. That cautious approach could pay off this week. Head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters that he expects Stevenson to practice on Wednesday. Given the additional recovery time, there is a good chance the running back could return to the lineup for the upcoming game.
In eight games during the 2025-26 campaign, Stevenson has rushed 83 times for 279 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 16 catches for 169 yards. However, his performance has been a mixed bag.
According to PFSN’s Running Back Impact metrics, he ranks just 43rd at his position with an impact score of 60.2 and a D- grade. Making matters worse, his career-long struggles with ball security have continued, as he has already fumbled three times this season.
If the Patriots decide to take the cautious route and hold Stevenson out for another week, the backfield duties will once again fall to a pair of rookies.
TreyVeyon Henderson
The primary beneficiary of Stevenson’s absence has been rookie TreyVeyon Henderson. The 23-year-old from Ohio State, who helped his team win the National Championship during the 2024 college season, has stepped into the primary running back role. He has undoubtedly made the most of his opportunity, showing he is worthy of lead-back duties.
This situation raises questions about how the workload will be split when Stevenson returns. In 11 games this season, Henderson has rushed 100 times for 492 yards and five touchdowns. He has also been a factor in the passing game, catching 26 passes for 165 yards and another touchdown.
Terrell Jennings
The other rookie in the backfield is Terrell Jennings. After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, he signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent. He has played a more limited role, appearing in just five games this season. In that time, Jennings has carried the ball 22 times for 73 yards and one touchdown.
