On Friday, Patriots (6-2) head coach Mike Vrabel announced at the podium after practice that starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson had been officially ruled out for Sunday\u2019s game against the Falcons (3-4).<\/p>\n
Vrabel added that at that moment, Stevenson was the only player on the roster he anticipated to be missing for Week 9.<\/p>\n
When asked in a follow-up if Stevenson\u2019s injury would keep him out past this week, Vrabel said, \u201cIt certainly won\u2019t be this week.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stevenson, who leads the team with 83 rushes for 279 yards and 3 touchdowns, has not practiced all week with a toe injury. With their leading rusher sidelined, expect an added workload for the only other running backs on the roster – rookie TreVeyon Henderson and former practice squad player Terrell Jennings (promoted to the 53-man roster after Antonio Gibson was ruled out for the season<\/a>).<\/p>\n Earlier this week, the Patriots signed a handful of running backs to their practice squad – veterans D’Ernest Johnson and Jonathan Ward, as well as rookie running back Rushawn Baker. Vrabel said on Friday there\u2019s a chance one of them could be elevated for the game to add depth.<\/p>\n Outside of the stuff Stevenson does with the ball in his hands, he is by far and away this team\u2019s best running back in pass protection – an area of his game that has helped elevate MVP-candidate Drake Maye outside of being a receiver out of the backfield.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a #PatriotsMinute<\/a> from Gillette Stadium with our own @Meghan_Ottolini<\/a> \u23f0<\/p>\n Today\u2019s Topic:<\/p>\n Rhamondre Stevenson is officially out for Sunday. What does this mean for the run game? Could help be on the way! \ud83e\udd14#NEPats<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/MxrvEZt84u<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 WEEI (@WEEI) October 31, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Vrabel was asked on Friday if Stevenson\u2019s absence will force them to make any changes to what they\u2019ve been doing in pass protection so far this season.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I mean – we’ll have to continue to find ways to protect the quarterback the best way that we can,\u201d said Vrabel. \u201cHe\u2019s one of our best players, that goes without saying. So however we’re doing that, based on the fronts that they give us, the looks that they give us, if it’s a five-down look, if it’s a backer or nickel off the ball, we’ll have to make sure that we’re sound in protection, and that we are getting to where we need to be.<\/p>\n \u201cBut also – it’s one thing knowing where you’re supposed to be, it’s another to go over there and to get the block done. So whether that’s the linemen, the tight ends, anybody that’s associated with their job to protect the quarterback on a pressure, they need to be able to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n As of publishing, Stevenson\u2019s official injury designation is having no impact on line movement, as the Patriots remain a 5.5-point favorite across the board<\/a>. They\u2019re sitting at -230 on the moneyline at FanDuel, and the total remains at 45.5.<\/p>\n Tune in each and every Monday throughout the football season to Patriots Monday on WEEI. Head coach Mike Vrabel joins The Greg Hill Show at 6:30 a.m. ET, and quarterback Drake Maye joins WEEI Afternoons.<\/p>\n