Jerod Mayo hints at starting Antonio Gibson over Rhamondre Stevenson

The Patriots might bench Rhamondre Stevenson in Week 17

New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo left the door open for running back Antonio Gibson to start over Rhamondre Stevenson when speaking with the media on Monday.

Stevenson’s costly fumble in Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills was his seventh fumble of the season. That is equal to the number of fumbles he’s had in his previous three NFL seasons combined.

Despite the turnover, he still managed to have a productive day with 12 carries for 60 yards and a touchdown. By comparison, Gibson only has two fumbles this season with the Patriots.

He has proven to be a solid complementary back for Stevenson.

“That’s definitely still a possibility,” said Mayo, when asked if Gibson could start over Stevenson in Week 17, via Patriots reporter Dakota Randall.

Stevenson was benched in the Patriots’ Week 5 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, but he still ultimately led the team in carries during the game.

One has to wonder if the Patriots will dole out a similar punishment or if Gibson will truly see more of the workload against the Los Angeles Chargers.

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