New England Patriots Running Back Misses Practice

The New England Patriots could be without their lead back when they take the field against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 15. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson missed his second straight practice with an ankle injury, jeopardizing his availability for Sunday's matchup.

Stevenson played 13 snaps in the Patriots' dominant 27-13 Monday Night Football win over the Arizona Cardinals, carrying the ball three times for eight yards and nabbing both his targets for two yards. He has been arguably the Patriots' best offensive player this year, leading the team in rushing yards (742) and receptions (58) through 13 games. 

Stevenson's absence could come back to haunt the Patriots this week in a meaningful game against the Raiders. At 7-6, the Patriots are right on the edge of making the playoffs, but a loss could potentially knock them out of contention. They still have games against the Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins, and Buffalo Bills on their schedule.

Stevenson joined the Patriots as their 120th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. A big-bodied, thumping running back out of Oklahoma, Stevenson has shown rare hands and mobility for a back of his size and appears to have seized the role of number one running back in the Patriots' offense from incumbent Damien Harris. He'll still have a chance to play if he can practice on Friday.

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