Patriots News: Bill Belichick, Ezekiel Elliott, Rob Gronkowski & Rhamondre Stevenson

Rhamondre Stevenson not shutting down idea of returning to the field this season

Watching Rhamondre Stevenson go down with a significant injury in last week's game was the final straw for this Patriots team this year. The lengthy list of injuries has continued to pile up, and seeing a player like the running back exit the season early just made matters worse.

Upon medical examination, it was reported Stevenson had an ankle sprain that would keep him sidelined for a few weeks. Most believe because the Patriots have almost no shot at making the postseason and there are only now four games left to play, it would be best for him not to return to the field this year, ensuring no further risk of injury occurs in a game that means nothing at this point.

However, the current rumor suggests Stevenson does not feel this way.

According to Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi, sources have indicated to him that the running back has every intention of returning to the team this season if it remains a possibility.

"First, I can confirm per team sources that Rhamondre Stevenson suffered a high ankle sprain. That injury typically takes three weeks or so to recover (though generally, it won’t feel right for months). There’s already chatter that the Pats should shut him down for the rest of the season. Someone close to Stevenson told me, ‘If he can find a way to be out there, he will. He won’t let his brothers down. That’s not who he is.’"

Although it's certainly great to hear, it wouldn't be the smartest move. Ezekiel Elliott proved he could do the job and did it well as the RB1 against the Steelers on Thursday night. As wonderful as it would be to have Stevenson back in the lineup, the risk is not worth the reward when that reward is just another game added to the win column, and that's it.

If they were in playoff contention, that would be a different story. But this season has basically come down to where they will pick in the first round of the 2024 draft and nothing more. Risking further injury on the main running back signed for next season would be asinine.

Check out more Patriots content: