Rhamondre Stevenson Won't Be Benched amid Fumbling Issues, Patriots' Mike Vrabel Says

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed that running back Rhamondre Stevenson won't be benched for his issues with fumbling the ball to start the 2025 season.

"We have different packages. I don't know what the first package is, but if you're asking me if Rhamondre is on some sort of discipline, no," Vrabel said, according to CBS News' Matt Geagan. "The discipline is we need our best players to play in a game and do their job and take care of football. And we all have to do that."

Stevenson is in the midst of his fifth season with the Patriots, rushing for 87 yards through three games while averaging 4.0 yards per carry. He's also caught 10 passes for 138 yards.

The 27-year-old has struggled to protect the ball, committing two fumbles during New England's 21-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3.

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This included a costly turnover just before he was about to enter the end zone for a game-tying touchdown in the third quarter.

Stevenson was also plagued by the same issue in 2024, fumbling the ball seven times in 15 games.

While he doesn't seem to be in any immediate danger of his role in New England's offense becoming reduced, Vrabel could utilize the team's running back depth if he can't take care of the ball.

The Patriots have 27-year-old Antonio Gibson and 2025 second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson as options if Stevenson continues to struggle.