Stevenson gives optimistic injury update, 'should be ready' to return

Stevenson gives optimistic injury update, 'should be ready' to return originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The New England Patriots need to restore their rushing attack in Week 7 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and a good way to accomplish that goal would be to get running back Rhamondre Stevenson back in the lineup.

Stevenson suffered a foot injury in the Week 5 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The injury forced him to sit out Week 6 against the Houston Texans.

Luckily for the Patriots, Stevenson seems optimistic about taking part in Sunday's game at London's Wembley Stadium.

“I'm fine at the moment, I had to take a few days off,” Stevenson told reporters in London on Friday. “I feel like I should be ready to play on Sunday.”

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Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo also provided an update on Stevenson's status on Friday.

“We'll see today, but he's getting closer, so it'll probably be a game-time decision,” Mayo said at his press conference.

The Patriots' running game was difficult without Stevenson in last week's loss, gaining just 82 yards on 26 carries (3.2 yards per attempt) against the Texans. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye was the team's leading rusher with 38 yards. Senior running back Antonio Gibson, who started in Stevenson's absence, managed just 19 rushing yards on 13 carries.

Stevenson is arguably the Patriots' best offensive player. He leads the team with 356 rushing yards (4.6 per carry) and is the only player on the roster with a rushing touchdown (he has three) in six games. He is also a reliable pass catcher out of the backfield.

Ball security has been an issue for Stevenson this season. He fumbled in each of the first four games, which led to Gibson starting ahead of him in Week 5.

One way the Patriots could make life easier for Maye on Sunday would be to run the football effectively. Despite his fumbling issues, Stevenson is the player best able to handle this responsibility for the Patriots.

“Hopefully we can get the running game going this week,” Maye said at a news conference Friday. “I think that’s a big focus, especially in this league and for our offense. Get the running game going, set up some passing lanes, get the football to different players.”