![](https://patriotswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/71/2023/12/1828852381.jpg?w=1000&h=600&crop=1)
The New England Patriots already came into Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers with one of their best playmakers on offense, wide receiver Demario Douglas, out of the lineup.
Before they even made it out of the first quarter, they were down another key player on offense, and this time, it was running back Rhamondre Stevenson.
The injury came on a hip drop tackle by Chargers linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu. It was a scary injury on looks alone, and when trying to stand up, Stevenson couldn’t put weight on his ankle. He was ultimately helped off the field and taken to the locker room for x-rays.
Per The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, the x-rays came back negative for Stevenson, but there’s belief an MRI will show a sprain.
Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson's initial X-rays were negative, per source. The belief is the MRI will show a sprain, but they won't know for sure until the tests.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) December 3, 2023
Further testing will show if Stevenson’s ankle is indeed sprained, and if so, they can determine the severity of the injury and issue a potential timetable for a return.
Ezekiel Elliott, who is the top backup running back, should see more reps with Ty Montgomery and JaMycal Hasty possibly getting into the mix as well. With five games left to go, there aren’t many options on the current roster for the Patriots.