Patriots coach confirms Rhamondre Stevenson will play despite fumbles
- Rhamondre Stevenson has faced scrutiny for his two fumbles in Week 3 against Pittsburgh.
- Despite fans calling for substitutions, Mike Vrabel confirmed Stevenson will play in Week 4.
- Stevenson must improve his ball security to retain his role as the lead back.
In the United States, the New England Patriots are navigating a challenging situation with their running back Rhamondre Stevenson as they prepare for their Week 4 game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 29, 2025. Following a disappointing performance in Week 3, where Stevenson committed two costly fumbles during a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, questions regarding his job security have surfaced. Fan pressure has been mounting for the Patriots to consider alternatives like rookie Tre'Veyon Henderson or Antonio Gibson to take over as the lead back. Despite these concerns, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has publicly supported Stevenson, stating that there are no plans to bench him. Vrabel emphasized the importance of having the best players on the field while acknowledging Stevenson's pressing need to improve ball security. The coach's rhetoric aimed to boost Stevenson’s confidence and stem the tide of external pressure from fans and analysts alike. Stevenson has expressed gratitude for the faith shown in him by the team, and has committed to addressing his ball security issues ahead of the upcoming match. Nevertheless, it remains clear that should he fumble again, the coaching staff may be forced to reconsider the distribution of carries amongst their running backs. The Patriots have implemented various drills aimed at improving the running backs' ball-handling skills during practice, further underscoring their commitment to addressing this issue as they approach their next game. The emphasis is on protecting the football, which is crucial for the team's success moving forward.