The New England Patriots are entering their Week 6 game against the Houston Texans with a desperate need for a win, having dropped four consecutive games after their initial Week 1 victory. Now at 1-4, they are hoping to turn their season around. Adding to the excitement, rookie quarterback Drake Maye, the third overall pick in the draft, is set to make his first start, generating a buzz around the team.
Rhamondre Stevenson is ruled out for #HOUvsNE.@ezlazar's injury report analysis: https://t.co/n6ZiFUpvS8 pic.twitter.com/5rMIy3evXC
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 11, 2024
However, the Patriots will face this crucial game without one of their key offensive contributors, running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who has been ruled out due to a foot injury. Stevenson’s absence is a significant blow, as he has been an important part of New England’s offense, despite some struggles with ball security. In five games, Stevenson accumulated 356 rushing yards on 77 carries and scored three touchdowns, along with 13 receptions for 37 yards. His fumbling issues did lead to him being benched in a prior game, but he remained a central piece of the Patriots’ running game.
Antonio Gibson is set to take over as the starting running back, with JaMycal Hasty serving as his backup. While Stevenson’s absence adds pressure, the team will need to rely on the ground game to help ease the burden on Maye in his debut.
In addition to Stevenson, several other Patriots players are listed as questionable for the game, including cornerback Isaiah Bolden, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, and others. This lengthy list of uncertain players adds to the team’s concerns as they try to recover from their losing streak.
With head coach Jerod Mayo emphasizing the running game in the season’s early weeks, the team’s ability to adapt without Stevenson will be critical. Both Gibson and Hasty must step up to provide a solid running game to support Maye and give the Patriots a fighting chance against the Texans.
