For the most part, the New England Patriots have done well this season when it comes to avoiding major injuries. However, that could change in Week 10, as running back Rhamondre Stevenson and wide receiver Kayshon Boutte highlight a group of banged-up players heading into the team’s upcoming game.
Stevenson picked up a toe injury in New England’s Week 8 win over the Cleveland Browns that forced him to miss the team’s Week 9 action against the Atlanta Falcons. Boutte, on the other hand, suffered a hamstring injury that forced him out of the clash against the Falcons early.
Considering how the Pats’ offense struggled in the second half last week, the status of these two guys bears watching throughout the week. According to head coach Mike Vrabel, neither Stevenson nor Boutte will be suiting up for the team’s practice on Wednesday.
“Vrabel: No practice for Rhamondre Stevenson, Kayshon Boutte or Christian Elliss today,” Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald shared in a post on X.
It’s never a good sign when a player doesn’t practice, and while there’s still time for these guys to get themselves ready for the Patriots’ upcoming game, it doesn’t sound like Vrabel is particularly optimistic about their chances of playing.
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If Stevenson can’t go, that means TreVeyon Henderson and Terrell Jennings will be leading the way at running back. Boutte’s absence would mean more work for Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins and Demario Douglas, with rookie Kyle Williams also potentially factoring into the mix.
Stevenson and Boutte have two more days of practice to give themselves a shot at suiting up in Week 10. The Pats will need all the help they can get because they have a tough matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on their hands this weekend.
