Putting together a capable offense hasn't been an issue for the Patriots historically, even if there are areas for improvement, most notably signing or drafting a clear game-changing superstar wide receiver.
They haven't struggled to find solid running backs; whether it was Kevin Faulk, LeGarrette Blount, or James White, they almost always had a legitimate threat out of the backfield that made their quarterback's job much easier. So when they selected Rhamondre Stevenson in 2021, it was clear they found their next long-time starter.
That remains true at the start of the 2026 season, but his fumbling woes have made a comeback this past week, as he lost the football again against the Steelers. Although it was his first turnover since Week 5 of last season, it reminded everyone of the ball-security issues that have plagued his career so far.
It prompted a response from Mike Vrabel, who put TreVeyon Henderson over Stevenson for a few drives, resulting in a 39-yard touchdown on their next drive.
Because of that, there are loud calls for Henderson to replace Stevenson as the starter going forward, and they're not just from concerned Patriots fans. We're now hearing it from former players, like CBS Sports' Damien Harris, who was the team's RB1 until 2022.
Damien Harris believes its time for the Patriots to make a big change at running back
While discussing the Patriots' Week 2 win, Harris addressed the questions that have surrounded Stevenson over the past few years, particularly since 2025, and whether he is the right guy to remain the team's starting running back.
He said the question is valid after he fumbled again on Sunday, and he advocates that Henderson replace him sooner rather than later.
Unfortunately for Stevenson, this might become a move the Patriots question for the rest of the season, especially if his ball-security issues continue.
"Why has TreVeyon Henderson not overtaken this RB1 role? Ball security is job security!"@DHx34 thinks he should be the Patriots starting running back over Rhamondre Stevenson. 👀#NFLPostgame pic.twitter.com/JicV46cQP9
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) September 21, 2026
Henderson and Stevenson are clearly different types of players, and that's a major reason the veteran remains at the top of the depth chart.
He's a proven weapon on the ground and in the passing game, and a tough runner who can break multiple tackles. Stevenson has improved his production since he was drafted and quickly became a security blanket for running backs as a receiver after his first year, putting in the work for something that wasn't already in his skill set.
Henderson isn't there yet, and he's become more of a boom-or-bust player to this point. He seems more like a runner than an additional pass-catcher, which isn't necessarily a problem. But it could affect his future in New England, since they typically like a dual-threat running back.
They clearly value someone more aggressive, and Henderson just hasn't been that so far. He has time to change that narrative and become a more versatile player, and questions about Stevenson's future could help him to learn and grow into that role as soon as possible.
It might be his only chance to do that while Stevenson is on the team, and it's a chance he cannot afford to botch. Otherwise, he might become the latest running back who doesn't earn a second contract with the team and is replaced by the next hot name out of the draft.
He can change that with more consistently impressive performances the rest of the season, especially if Stevenson continues to struggle.
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