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1h ago

Vrabel Rules Out Benching as Patriots Stick With Rhamondre Stevenson for Week 4

Vrabel frames accountability as performance, not punishment.

Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Image
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 21: Drake Maye #10 hands off the ball to Rhamondre Stevenson #38 of the New England Patriots during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)
Rhamondre Stevenson lost two fumbles in the Patriots' loss to the Steelers.

Overview

  • Head coach Mike Vrabel said Stevenson is not being disciplined or benched and will be part of the game plan against the Panthers.
  • The stance follows two Week 3 fumbles in the loss to Pittsburgh and a multi-season ball-security trend that led the NFL in 2024.
  • Vrabel cited a situational, package-based backfield and pointed to broader turnover fixes, noting rookie quarterback Drake Maye also had two giveaways.
  • Reporters, citing ESPN’s Dan Graziano, say coaches could impose short-term usage consequences, with rookie TreVeyon Henderson positioned for more touches if issues persist.
  • New England emphasized ball-security drills this week; Stevenson said he practiced well, expressed gratitude for support, and the team still has options in Henderson and Antonio Gibson.