Rhamondre Stevenson faces absence with knee tendon injury
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson could miss several weeks with a knee tendon injury in the United States. Surgery is not expected, according to ESPN’s reporting. The injury comes with TreVeyon Henderson already sidelined by illness, increasing the importance of Corey Kiner and the other running backs before New England’s meeting with Detroit in Munich.
Sports··Evening
Stevenson could miss several weeks
Rhamondre Stevenson, a running back for the American football team New England Patriots, could be sidelined for several weeks with a tendon injury behind his knee. NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport described the problem as a plantaris tendon injury. ESPN’s Adam Schefter separately reported that it could keep Stevenson out for a short period and was not expected to require surgery. Stevenson was hurt late in the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. His knee twisted as he was brought down after catching a pass. The reports gave an estimated absence rather than a definite date for his return to the field.[1], [2]
Henderson’s illness narrows the options
The injury leaves New England with fewer options in a position already affected by TreVeyon Henderson’s illness. Henderson missed the previous two games. In a statement the previous week, he described an unexpected medical emergency involving unexplained neurological symptoms that had required several days in hospital. He said test results had been reassuring, but the timing of his return remained uncertain. Corey Kiner is among the backs preparing for a larger role. Lan Larison is another option on the depth chart, and Terrell Jennings is on the practice squad. Kiner joined New England in an August trade with the Arizona Cardinals.[1], [2]
Patriots prepare for Detroit in Munich
The Patriots are preparing to play the Detroit Lions in Munich on Sunday before their bye week. Coach Mike Vrabel said on Monday that Kiner was working hard and making progress. He singled out identifying and blocking blitzing defenders as an important area for the running back to develop. Vrabel also pointed to Stevenson’s contribution in protecting the quarterback on passing plays. New England’s next options therefore enter preparations with both running and protection duties to cover. No final allocation of playing time was announced. The schedule places the Detroit game immediately before a week without a Patriots fixture, while Stevenson’s availability remains subject to his recovery.[1]
