As of last week, the thought was Patriots rookie running back Rhamondre Stevenson would be in line for a red-shirt year, like many others have, including Shane Vereen, James White and Damien Harris.
But, then came Thursday's preseason game where Stevenson was one of the standouts in the win over the Washington Football Team. The Oklahoma product had two touchdowns, including a 91-yarder in the closing minutes.
In the days since, he's reportedly seen an uptick in carries during practice. So, perhaps this is an indication the Patriots coaching staff wants to see more of what he's got compared to the other backs in the room.
“It’s a great amount of competition,” Stevenson said to reporters Tuesday. “Every one of those backs, they can run, they can block, they can catch. It’s a competition more than I have ever been in, in my life. It’s a fun moment though. We’re all getting better. Iron sharpens iron, and I really truly believe that. So it’s a great experience.”
It would seem Damien Harris will be the lead back with Sony Michel filling in and then James White having the third-down role on the lockdown. Then there's Brandon Bolden, who is a core special-teamer, and also second-year player J.J. Taylor.
Given he was a fourth-round pick, Stevenson will be on the roster, it just seems playing time might not be there given the Patriots' track record with this position and the rookie getting used to life in the NFL. Running backs coach Ivan Fears was honest when speaking about him a few weeks ago, saying he needs to work on everything.
“I would say the same thing,” Stevenson said. “If you guys asked me, I need to work one everything. The complete package. I do some things well, but I just need to work on things that I’m not so good at. Things like that. When he said everything, that’s the same answer I would give.”
With that being said, now that he's had a few practices and a game under his belt, Stevenson is feeling more comfortable.
“Of course. I feel a lot more comfortable,” he said. “There’s still a lot more work to do. But I’m feeling more comfortable, more confident, playing faster.”
While he likely won't have a major role in the offense for reasons previously stated, all Stevenson can do is make it hard on the coaching staff not to put him in games.