Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson dislocated a thumb in practice last week, The Athletic's Jeff Howe reports. There's "some optimism" that the rookie will be able to play in Sunday's opener against the Dolphins, but we'll need to keep an eye on him over the next few days. Of course, Stevenson is just a bench stash in fantasy football right now. Damien Harris will operate as New England's lead back this weekend.
The Patriots traded RB Sony Michel to the Rams in exchange for a pair of late-round conditional picks, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. The Rams always seemed likely to add to the backfield after losing Cam Akers for the season. Even if they believe in RB Darrell Henderson, the depth behind him wasn't NFL-caliber. Henderson still figures to get the 1st crack at lead duties in Los Angeles. But expect Michel to be involved, potentially serving as a short-yardage and goal-line back. Michel ripped off 5.7 yards per carry last year and has looked good this preseason. Rams RBs Xavier Jones and Jake Funk are obviously undraftable now. Meanwhile in New England, Damien Harris is now even safer as the clear lead ball-carrier -- although he'll continue to lose almost all the passing-down work to James White. Michel's departure also makes rookie Rhamondre Stevenson a more interesting late-round flier.
Plenty has been made of Patriots RB performances this preseason, especially after 3 of them combined to rush for 4 TDs Thursday night against the Eagles. Rhamondre Stevenson contributed 2 of those, marking his 2nd straight 2-TD outing. But it's been Damien Harris dominating the work with QB Cam Newton. Among 29 snaps that Newton has played through 2 games, Harris has been on the field for 16. James White has played 9 of them, with Sony Michel in for 4. So all of Stevenson's work has come with reserves. According to Establish The Run's Adam Levitan, White has been on the field for the only 3 third-down snaps with Newton. Stevenson will bear watching, but Harris' role doesn't appear to be under seige. And keep White in mind as a late PPR option in fantasy football drafts.
Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson stuffed the stat sheet for the 2nd straight game on Thursday night, carrying 15 times for 66 yards and 2 scores vs. the Eagles. But he once again got 0 snaps with the starters, playing behind RBs Damien Harris, Sony Michel and James White. Stevenson also lost a fumble. The rookie still has work to do to be a fantasy factor this year. For now, he's just a late-round flier.
"Everything," Patriots RBs coach Ivan Fears responded when asked what RB Rhamondre Stevenson needs to improve. "What do I like about him? He’s here. I like that he’s here," Fears continued. "Other than that, everything’s got to improve. That’s what we have to get done. He’s got a lot to learn. He’s talented, we’ll see what he can do in the games, but right now, he’s got a lot to learn — a lot to learn.” Some tough love from a team that tends not to give rookies significant roles out of the gate. Stevenson is looking like a long shot for 2021 fantasy value, although an injury to RB Damien Harris could change that.
Patriots HC Bill Belichick said last week that he’s been “impressed by the commitment” shown by RB Damien Harris. Belichick also said that Harris has “embraced” the competition for a “lead spot” in the backfield. Harris should be safely ahead of Sony Michel and rookie Rhamondre Stevenson, who recently came off the non-football injury list. An RB2 finish for the 24-year-old Harris is certainly within his range of outcomes.
Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson has been activated from the non-football-injury list. The rookie ended up missing just a few days of training camp. We'll see if he can make a push for playing time over the next month.
Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson has been placed on the non-football injury list. We don't have any other details, but ESPN's Mike Reiss notes that the rookie dealt with "a couple nagging things" this spring. We'll see when Stevenson is able to get back on the field. He figures to be battling RB Sony Michel for the backup job behind RB Damien Harris.
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