### Rhamondre Stevenson Set to Return: A Game-Changer for the Patriots The New England Patriots are gearing up for a crucial Week 12 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, and the return of starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson is a significant development. After missing three games due to a toe injury, Stevenson is expected to rejoin the lineup, which comes at a pivotal time for a team that has been on an impressive eight-game winning streak, currently holding a 9-2 record, tied for the best in the league. However, Stevenson's return complicates the dynamics of the Patriots' backfield, especially after rookie TreVeyon Henderson's explosive performances in his absence, where he amassed 147 yards and two touchdowns against the Buccaneers and followed it up with three touchdowns against the Jets [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/new_england_patriots_running_back_rhamondre_stevenson_expected_to_play_in_week_12/s1_17396_43108873]. ### Breakdown of the Situation: Key Segments 1. **Injury Status and Return**: Rhamondre Stevenson is expected to play in Week 12 after recovering from a toe injury that sidelined him for three games [https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-injuries/114871/rhamondre-stevenson-update-nfl-week-12-bengals]. 2. **Impact on Team Performance**: The Patriots are currently on an eight-game winning streak and are tied for the best record in the NFL, making Stevenson's return timely [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/new_england_patriots_running_back_rhamondre_stevenson_expected_to_play_in_week_12/s1_17396_43108873]. 3. **TreVeyon Henderson's Emergence**: During Stevenson's absence, rookie TreVeyon Henderson has significantly stepped up, showcasing his potential with impressive performances, including a standout game against the Jets [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/rhamondre_stevenson_injury_update_what_patriots_rbs_return_means_for_treveyon_henderson/s1_17198_43101947]. 4. **Potential Challenges**: Stevenson's return raises questions about how the Patriots will manage their running back rotation, especially considering Henderson's recent success [https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-news/114823/patriots-vs-bengals-friday-injury-report-rhamondre-stevenson-harold-landry-iii-questionable-nfl-week-12]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Stevenson's Season Stats**: Before his injury, Stevenson had recorded 279 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 83 attempts, averaging 3.4 yards per carry, along with 16 receptions for 169 yards [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/rhamondre_stevenson_injury_update_what_patriots_rbs_return_means_for_treveyon_henderson/s1_17198_43101947]. - **Henderson's Performance**: In the last three games, Henderson has accumulated 147 rushing yards and five touchdowns, indicating his capability to perform at a high level [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/new_england_patriots_running_back_rhamondre_stevenson_expected_to_play_in_week_12/s1_17396_43108873]. ### Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for the Patriots In summary, **Rhamondre Stevenson's return is poised to significantly impact the New England Patriots as they face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12**. The team is riding high on an eight-game winning streak, and Stevenson's presence could bolster their already formidable offense. However, the emergence of TreVeyon Henderson complicates the running back situation, as the Patriots must now navigate how to effectively utilize both players moving forward. 1. **Stevenson is expected to play, enhancing the Patriots' offensive capabilities** [https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-injuries/114871/rhamondre-stevenson-update-nfl-week-12-bengals]. 2. **The team is currently tied for the best record in the league, making this a critical juncture** [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/new_england_patriots_running_back_rhamondre_stevenson_expected_to_play_in_week_12/s1_17396_43108873]. 3. **Henderson's recent performances have raised questions about the running back rotation** [https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-news/114823/patriots-vs-bengals-friday-injury-report-rhamondre-stevenson-harold-landry-iii-questionable-nfl-week-12].