Patriots' Rhamondre Stevenson Placed on Season-Ending IR with Ankle Injury

Rhamondre Stevenson's season has come to an end.

With two games remaining in the regular season, the New England Patriots are placing the running back on season-ending injured reserve due to an ankle ailment, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Stevenson suffered a high ankle sprain on a hip-drop tackle in a Week 13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and hasn't played since.

The 25-year-old put together a down year by his standards, rushing for 619 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games, in addition to catching 38 passes for 238 yards.

For comparison, Stevenson put together a career year last season, rushing for 1,040 yards and five touchdowns in 17 games, in addition to catching 69 passes for 421 yards and one score.

Stevenson's struggles only contributed to what has been a disappointing season for the Patriots, which have already been eliminated from playoff contention with a 4-11 record and are on pace to finish with their worst record in more than a decade.

The Patriots have turned to Ezekiel Elliott in Stevenson's absence, and he has rushed for 120 yards over the last three games, in addition to catching 21 passes for 126 yards and two scores.

Elliott will continue to be the centerpiece of New England's rushing attack for the remainder of the season, and JaMycal Hasty and Kevin Harris could see more playing time moving forward.

Stevenson should be back with the Patriots next season as he's under contract through 2024, though the franchise is likely to reevaluate all positions following its disastrous campaign.

The Patriots will close out the year against the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets.