Rhamondre Stevenson was expected to provide the New England Patriots with a reliable position as they entered the season.
The Patriots running back rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2022 and earned a four-year, $36 million contract extension this summer based on his solid performance over his first three years.
With Jacoby Brissett temporarily taking the quarterback role for first-round draft pick Drake Maye, the Patriots planned to rely heavily on the run.
Stevenson had a strong start, rushing for 120 yards and a touchdown in the season-opening win against Cincinnati, where he helped secure the victory with two key first downs in the closing minutes.
However, he has struggled with ball security, which is becoming a serious issue: he fumbled in the first quarter of New England’s 30-13 loss to San Francisco on Sunday, marking his fourth consecutive game with a fumble.
“He has a target on his back as far as a guy that doesn’t have good ball security,” said Patriots coach Jerod Mayo.
“He knows he has to improve that, and it’s not just for him. It’s for anyone who touches the football. We always talk about ball security equaling job security, and we just have to continue to develop that.”
