### Rhamondre Stevenson Out for Week 9: Patriots Face Falcons Without Key Running Back The New England Patriots will be without their leading running back, Rhamondre Stevenson, for the upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons due to a toe injury. Head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed Stevenson's absence after he missed practice for three consecutive days leading up to the game. This development comes as the Patriots, currently holding a 6-2 record, prepare to face the Falcons, who are at 3-4. Rookie TreVeyon Henderson is expected to take on the rushing responsibilities in Stevenson's absence, while the team has also signed veteran D'Ernest Johnson to the practice squad as a precautionary measure. Stevenson, in his fifth season with the Patriots, has recorded 279 rushing yards and three touchdowns this season, but his average of 3.4 yards per carry is a career low [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/pats_rb_rhamondre_stevenson_toe_wont_play_vs_falcons/s1_17049_42994168][https://musketfire.com/mike-vrabel-dropped-the-rhamondre-stevenson-injury-news-patriots-fans-feared][https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/rhamondre-stevenson-will-miss-sundays-game-with-a-toe-injury]. ### Breakdown of the Situation: Key Points on Stevenson's Injury and Impact 1. **Injury Confirmation**: Rhamondre Stevenson has been ruled out for the game against the Falcons due to a toe injury, as confirmed by head coach Mike Vrabel [https://www.espn.ph/nfl/story/_/id/46793722/new-england-patriots-rhamondre-stevenson-toe-injury]. 2. **Practice Absences**: Stevenson missed practice for three consecutive days leading up to the game, indicating the severity of his injury [https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-news/112911/patriots-vs-falcons-wednesday-injury-report-rhamondre-stevenson-morgan-moses-sidelined]. 3. **Replacement Plans**: Rookie TreVeyon Henderson is expected to step up and handle the rushing duties in Stevenson's absence, with the team also adding D'Ernest Johnson to the practice squad for additional depth [https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nfl/new-england-patriots/news/treveyon-henderson-slated-week-9-boost-rhamondre-stevenson-injury-update/faaa7d5a6e57c9488e50cc2c]. 4. **Stevenson's Season Performance**: In the current season, Stevenson has rushed for 279 yards and three touchdowns, with a career-low average of 3.4 yards per carry [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/pats_rb_rhamondre_stevenson_toe_wont_play_vs_falcons/s1_17049_42994168]. ### Supporting Evidence: Performance Metrics and Injury Impact - **Stevenson's Season Stats**: - Rushing Yards: **279** - Touchdowns: **3** - Receptions: **16** - Receiving Yards: **169** - Average Yards per Carry: **3.4** (career low) - **Team Record**: The Patriots currently hold a **6-2** record, while the Falcons are at **3-4**. - **Rookie Performance**: TreVeyon Henderson's expected increased workload could be pivotal for the Patriots' offensive strategy against the Falcons. ### Conclusion: Implications of Stevenson's Absence for the Patriots In summary, the New England Patriots will face a significant challenge in their Week 9 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons without their leading rusher, Rhamondre Stevenson. His absence, confirmed by head coach Mike Vrabel, opens the door for rookie TreVeyon Henderson to take on a larger role in the offense. The Patriots, currently at 6-2, will need to adapt quickly to maintain their momentum in the season. The team's depth will be tested as they navigate this injury, particularly given Stevenson's contributions thus far this season. 1. **Stevenson is officially out for the game due to a toe injury**. 2. **Rookie TreVeyon Henderson is set to take over rushing duties**. 3. **The Patriots' current record stands at 6-2, while the Falcons are 3-4**. 4. **Stevenson's performance this season has been below his career averages** [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/pats_rb_rhamondre_stevenson_toe_wont_play_vs_falcons/s1_17049_42994168][https://www.espn.ph/nfl/story/_/id/46793722/new-england-patriots-rhamondre-stevenson-toe-injury].