Source: Patriots RB Stevenson expected to miss time with knee tendon issue

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  Mike ReissNov 9, 2026, 09:56 PM ET

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  Mike Reiss is an NFL reporter at ESPN and covers the New England Patriots. Reiss has covered the Patriots since 1997 and joined ESPN in 2009. In 2019, he was named Massachusetts Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots top running back Rhamondre Stevenson is dealing with a knee tendon issue that is not expected to require surgery but could sideline him for a short period of time, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The injury is to the back of Stevenson's knee and is expected to keep him out the next few weeks, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Stevenson sustained the injury late in the third quarter of Sunday's blowout loss to the Green Bay Packers when he was twisted down on a 6-yard reception. The Patriots trailed 42-14 at the time.

With No. 2 running back TreVeyon Henderson missing the last two games with an illness, the Patriots could be down to their third and fourth options -- Corey Kiner and Lan Larison -- for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions in Munich. They also have running back Terrell Jennings on the practice squad.

The 5-4 Patriots are scheduled to travel to Munich late Wednesday and then have their bye week after the game.

Stevenson has played 65% of the offensive snaps this season, totaling 399 yards on 102 carries (3.9 avg.) and two touchdowns. He has added 26 receptions for 258 yards and two touchdowns, with coach Mike Vrabel noting his excellence in pass protection as a key for the offense.

Kiner, whom the Patriots acquired in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals on Aug. 29, could now see an increased workload. He has played 13% of the offensive snaps, totaling 244 yards on 50 carries (4.9 avg.).

"Corey is working extremely hard and has done a really nice job," Vrabel said earlier Monday, noting his blitz pickup will be an important area to continue to grow.