The Patriots are putting a good amount of faith in rookie running back Rhamondre Stevenson.
On Wednesday, the team traded Sony Michel to the Rams, which indicated they are comfortable with the fourth-round pick potentially playing a big role with the team this season.
Speaking to reporters Friday, Stevenson was asked if he feels the trade will affect his mindset at all.
“Honestly I try not to even get into the business side of that or anything,” Stevenson said. “I’m here. If he was here, I would still be working as hard as I would work after whatever happened and whatnot. So I don't think that really changes anything for me. I just know that I've got to work hard -- and I wouldn't even say harder or anything like that. You gotta work hard and just stay focused on the task at hand.”
Stevenson has been very impressive in the preseason thus far, scoring two touchdowns in each of the two games.
His performance in these games, as well as training camp, seems to have given the team confidence he can carry the momentum over to the regular season.
“I would definitely say just a milestone reached,” Stevenson said about he preseason coming to a close. “I dreamed about playing in the NFL and to be in my training camp -- closer to the end of it than the beginning -- it's just a great feeling. I kind of feel accomplished, things like that, but I just know I got a lot more work to do. But it's a great feeling, knowing I've almost made it through my first training camp.”
Stevenson is part of a running backs room that includes Damien Harris, James White, J.J. Taylor and Brandon Bolden.