Key Patriots Playmaker Receives Demotion After Costly Mistakes

UPDATE (1:12 PM ET): Rhamondre Stevenson actually started at running back after Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo told 98.5 The Sports Hub pregame that Antonio Gibson would start over Stevenson.

Original story: FOXBORO, Mass. – Rhamondre Stevenson has lost the starting job in the Patriots backfield.

Well, that will be the case when the New England Patriots host the Los Angeles Chargers, at least.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo confirmed running back Antonio Gibson would start over Stevenson when he appeared on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s pregame show Saturday.

“Gibby starts for us today,” Mayo told Patriots radio broadcaster Scott Zolak.

Stevenson’s demotion at Gillette Stadium follows a Week 16 loss to the Buffalo Bills in which he lost a costly fumble in the second half. It marked Stevenson’s seventh of the season, while no other running back has fumbled the ball more than he has this season.

Gibson continues to come on strong for the Patriots. The veteran, who signed with New England last season, entered Week 17 averaging 4.5 yards per carry. rush, where nine of his 19 catches went for first downs.

It remains to be seen how the Patriots will incorporate Stevenson against the Bolts. After all, Stevenson was held out of the starting lineup in Week 5 due to early-season fumble issues, but still played 47% of offensive snaps in that competition.