New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson was upgraded to limited participation on Thursday’s injury report, offering a change from Wednesday, when he did not practice. The update raises the possibility that he could play against the Detroit Lions in Munich on Sunday, though his status remains uncertain.
Stevenson worked individually at FC Bayern Munich’s training facility, running footwork drills during a light walkthrough. Earlier reports said his tendon injury could keep him out for several weeks. The Patriots have not ruled him out, and Friday’s practice report should provide a clearer indication of his availability.
Stevenson was injured late in the third quarter of New England’s Nov. 8 loss to the Green Bay Packers. He went down after a six-yard reception, left for the locker room and did not return. The Patriots lost 45–27.
The injury was reported as a plantaris tendon issue behind the knee. The tendon extends down toward the Achilles, and the injury was described as not requiring surgery but potentially costing Stevenson a short period of time. One report projected that he could miss the next few weeks.
Stevenson leads the Patriots with 399 rushing yards. New England plays the Lions before its bye week, making Sunday’s game the team’s final contest before the break.
## Patriots Respond to Stevenson’s Return to Practice
Quarterback Drake Maye said Thursday that outside reports do not always reflect what is happening with the team. He added that Stevenson wants to return and help the Patriots make a push before the bye.
“He’s a great player, and he can help us out,” Maye said.
Wide receiver DeMario Douglas said Stevenson has told teammates he intends to do whatever he can to get back on the field.
“He’s working. He’s getting better,” Douglas said.
Coach Mike Vrabel has not offered a detailed update. Earlier in the week, while the team awaited MRI results, he said the Patriots were “wearing out the MRIs.” On Wednesday, Vrabel declined to discuss whether Stevenson might be placed on injured reserve and noted that the team has few injured reserve return spots remaining. As of Thursday afternoon, he had not publicly commented on Stevenson’s upgrade to limited participation.
## What Stevenson’s Practice Status Could Mean
Historical data suggests players who are limited on the final practice report play roughly 71% of the time. Another dataset covering 2020 through Week 9 of this season found that players listed as questionable and limited on the final practice day played in 70.5% of cases. By comparison, players who did not practice on the final day but were listed as questionable played about 48% of the time.
Those figures are not specific to running backs or tendon injuries, and Thursday is not the final practice day. Stevenson’s Friday participation and game designation will provide a more useful indication of his chances.
The Patriots face the Lions at Allianz Arena on Sunday. Whether Stevenson is available should become clearer when New England releases its final injury report.
