FOXBORO — Were it not for Rhamondre Stevenson, the potential lack of a longtime captain and offensive pillar ought to really feel a lot worse for the Patriots.
And but by two practices, Stevenson, who would possibly exchange James White because the group’s third-down again, seems completely fitted to the function.
The former fourth-round decide leads the group in catches throughout group drills and is tied for the lead in targets by two practices. Stevenson mentioned he lower weight this offseason and is now working at 225 kilos. He beforehand shared he spent a lot of spring honing his abilities as a go catcher and go protector.
Stevenson caught 14 of 18 passes as a rookie for 123 yards. His work since then is now paying off.
“Definitely, I feel a lot more comfortable running routes and catching the football,” Stevenson mentioned Thursday. “I did a lot of that: running routes, getting better with my hands, pass protection.”
Meanwhile, White stays on the Physically Unable to Perform listing as he continues to recuperate from the season-ending hip harm he suffered final September. In March, White mentioned he was confined to his mattress for months. According to ESPN, the 30-year-old appeared to stroll with “an uncomfortable gait” at a charity occasion earlier this month.
White has served because the Patriots’ main third-down again since 2014 and was honored as a member of the franchise’s All-2010s group. He appeared able to bounce again from a down 2020 marketing campaign final season, when he caught 12 passes for 94 yards and rushed for 38 yards over two-plus video games.
It’s unknown if/when White will return to full observe participation. Until then, it will likely be as much as gamers like Stevenson, third-year reserve J.J. Taylor and rookies Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris to take carries and catch passes behind starter Damien Harris. And up to now, primarily based on his manufacturing and observe time, Stevenson is first in line.
Source: www.bostonherald.com