After the New England Patriots‘ week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team has discovered multiple issues. The most prominent one of them is Rhamondre Stevenson‘s fumbling issues. Stevenson lost two fumbles against the Steelers and ended up with four carries for 18 yards and three catches for 38 yards. Following his fumbling issue, HC Mike Vrabel has opened up about his perspective on this matter.

“HC Mike Vrabel says that RB Rhamondre Stevenson is not being “disciplined” per se for his fumbling issues last week” senior reporter Evan Lazar tweeted today. The tweet also referred to a similar instance with Drake Maye. “Vrabel referenced Drake Maye’s two turnovers, saying they aren’t making a change at quarterback, so same goes at running back.”

Although Vrabel has affirmed his trust in Rhamondre, he has also given clear hints of future changes due to the fumbling issue. In the postgame interview, Vrabel addressed Rhamondre’s issue.

“We need his ability. But we also need to take care of the football” Vrabel said. He also mentioned, “We need him. We absolutely need him. We’ll just have to look at the technique and we’ll have to look at the ball security”

Rhamondre’s fumbling problem resurfaced Sunday. They sidelined him for most of the second half after his second turnover, logging only two snaps the rest of the way. The ripple effect was clear, as carries shifted toward Antonio Gibson and TreyVeyon Henderson, though Gibson also saw his role cut after a fumble.

This isn’t new for Rhamondre. He had seven fumbles in 2024 and looks on pace to surpass that. Still, despite the slip-ups, he continues to hold onto Vrabel’s trust, much like QB Drake Maye, who also turned the ball over twice. For now, no action has been taken. And one can’t ignore the possibility that Vrabel’s patience, along with other factors, is buying Rhamondre time.

Rhamondre Stevenson’s realization

While Mike Vrabel has shown confidence in Rhamondre Stevenson, the running back hasn’t ignored the pressure that comes with it. Speaking to the media in the locker room, he admitted, “I mean, I appreciate it, but I gotta hold onto the ball, you know to have value and you know put value to this team.” He doubled down on the point with even sharper words: “If I can’t hold the ball, they don’t need me.” For a player trying to steady himself, those remarks make it clear he knows exactly what’s at stake.

Still, there may be another reason Vrabel isn’t rushing to make a harsh move—Stevenson’s contract. Just before the 2024 season, he signed a four-year, $36 million extension, which still carries $3.25 million in guaranteed salary for 2026. That financial commitment could be buying the running back a little more patience from the coaching staff.

But patience doesn’t last forever in the NFL. Whether it’s Vrabel’s trust, his coaching style, or the numbers tied to Stevenson’s deal, the running back knows he can’t take it for granted. He’s already admitted the reality himself: if the fumbles don’t stop, the team won’t need him. Now it’s on Stevenson to protect the ball—and his future.