The New England Patriots, now 4-2 after a 25-19 win over the New Orleans Saints, are preparing for their Week 7 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Head coach Mike Vrabel has made a strategic move that could shape the offense’s direction for the rest of the season. As questions persist around the running game, attention again turns to Rhamondre Stevenson.

Vrabel has decided to hold on to Stevenson as his leading-scoring running back even as trade-deadline whispers by New England perhaps had backfield changes in mind.

Patriots aren’t making calls for RB, reports The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, i.e., Vrabel isn’t trading away Stevenson, a huge vote of confidence in the fifth-year pro’s future. Stevenson’s role was under fire since his Week 1 performance because of the inconsistency and turnover issues he’s shown.

The 27-year-old has underperformed, with 51 carries for 157 yards, two touchdowns, and a league-high three fumbles, making him one of the most polarizing figures on New England’s roster due to poor ball security.

In spite of that, Vrabel remained firmly committed to keeping him at the top of the depth chart.

Stevenson played 71 percent of the offensive snaps in the win over the Saints, while TreVeyon Henderson saw just 29 percent, according to NFL Network reporter Michael F. Florio.

Although the playing time was evenly split, neither back was ineffective, Henderson logged nine carries for 27 yards, but the snap count reflected the coaching staff’s unshakable trust in Stevenson’s overall contribution.

Even with unsteady play, Vrabel seems to be tolerating Stevenson’s mistakes, at least partly due to his salary and potential. Cutting him would leave nearly $8 million in dead cap money on New England’s books until June 2026. Beyond the financials, Vrabel values Stevenson’s versatility, particularly in blitz pickup and short-yardage schemes.

Henderson, meanwhile, is an up-and-comer and fits better in a timeshare role, as he did in college at Ohio State.

The Patriots’ running game in general continues to be a problem. New England ranks 27th in the NFL through Week 7 at 95.2 rush yards per game, and as much as quarterback Drake Maye has performed admirably, the team can’t keep repeatedly asking him to do so as its go-to rusher.

One of Vrabel’s explanations became clear when he made an appearance on Monday on The Greg Hill Show.

“He’s valuable in protection,” Vrabel said of Stevenson. “When teams start blitzing and heating us up, it’s critical that somebody protects the quarterback in those short-yardage instances and around the goal line. We mix carries up, and so everybody is going to have a role and we’ll have to continue to take care of the ball. You have to make those decisions, and I think Rhamondre understands how critical the ball is.”

The Patriots’ ground game has been a problem all season, ranking 31st in the NFL in per-carry yardage (3.5). That made it more difficult after backup Antonio Gibson tore his ACL and was finished for the season. Stevenson’s job is safe at least in the short term, but the leash is shorter than ever.

Vrabel’s move before the Titans clash

In addition to Vrabel’s decision regarding Stevenson, the Patriots made two official roster moves ahead of Sunday’s contest. Running back Terrell Jennings and cornerback Miles Battle were elevated from the practice squad to the active roster, strengthening two thin position groups.

A downhill-strong, multi-faceted back with special teams value, Jennings played 44 collegiate games, recording 381 carries for 1,860 yards and 24 touchdowns, ranking 12th in school history for rushing yards. The Patriots view him as a developmental player capable of handling short-yardage and rotational duties if needed.

Meanwhile, Battle’s promotion helps stabilize a shaky secondary that has been inconsistent through the first six weeks. With several starters nursing minor injuries, Battle’s size and athleticism could be an asset against a Titans offense led by Will Levis.

As New England gears up for Week 7 against Tennessee, attention turns to Vrabel’s backfield decisions. At 4-2, the Patriots have momentum, but with the trade deadline approaching and the offense still finding rhythm, Rhamondre Stevenson’s performance could either validate Vrabel’s trust or prompt a shift.