Mike Reiss, ESPN Group of workers Scribbler
FOXBOROUGH, Lump. — New England Patriots initiation working again Rhamondre Stevenson sustained a proper ankle trauma within the first quarter of Sunday’s sport towards the Los Angeles Chargers, which sidelined him for the remains of the presen.
The Patriots first of all introduced that Stevenson’s go back used to be questionable prior to mentioning him out in the beginning of the second one part. Stevenson wanted backup coming off the farmland and heading to the vault room for additional checks.
Stevenson used to be the Patriots’ featured offensive participant within the first quarter, totaling 40 dashing yards on 9 carries. But it surely used to be on his 9th lift that blitzing Chargers linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu got here in unblocked and tackled Stevenson from at the back of, together with his weight coming ailing at the again of Stevenson’s proper leg.
The tackling methodology, frequently known as a hip-drop take on, has been a hot-button matter across the NFL because of participant protection considerations. Baltimore Ravens tight finish Mark Andrews is amongst the ones sidelined by way of trauma because of it.
The affect of the touch ended in Stevenson, the Patriots’ prominent rusher, losing the ball. Tuipulotu recovered it.
The Patriots had been feeding the 3rd age working again as much as that time, in a run-first plan with quarterback Bailey Zappe making his first get started of the season. Stevenson used to be on moment for his fourth directly sport of 100 or extra scrimmage yards, having a look to grow to be the primary Patriots participant to take action since Wes Welker in 2012.
Veteran Ezekiel Elliott stepped into Stevenson’s function.
