Patriots shutting down lone bright spot on offense

The Patriots (4-11) have one of the worst offenses in the league, and it looks like things are only going to get worse after it was announced they're shutting down arguably their best player on offense.

New England is placing RB Rhamondre Stevenson on injured reserve, ending his 2023 season, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. 

The third-year running back last played in the team's Week 13 loss to the Chargers when he suffered an ankle injury that was supposed to sideline him for "a few weeks." 

Stevenson may have been able to return if the Patriots' season was going differently, but it makes sense to shut him down for the year since being eliminated from playoff contention.

It's certainly a blow to the offense, which has averaged the least points per game (14.1) and fifth-least total yards per game (285.5) in the league.

Veteran RB Ezekiel Elliott has been playing well in Stevenson's absence with 549 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. But Stevenson still leads New England in rushing yards (619) and rushing touchdowns (four) despite only playing in 12 games.

Nonetheless, it's been a disappointing season for Stevenson after posting a career-high 1,040 rushing yards and six total touchdowns in 2022. He must now wait until the 2024 season to make his case for a contract extension.

The 2021 fourth-round pick will enter the final year of his rookie deal next season. He needs to continue proving he is a valuable piece to the offense as the running back position has never been valued less than it is now.

The Patriots are now left to face two of the top 10 defenses in total yards allowed per game (9-6 Bills and 6-9 Jets) without Stevenson. It wouldn't be surprising if they lose out, putting themselves in a great spot to have a top-five draft pick come April.