Entering the 2024 season, the Patriots were expected to be a run-first team for several reasons, one of which was due to the emergence of Rhamondre Stevenson in their offense since he was drafted in 2021. Combine that with new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, known for making the most use of running backs in his game plans, and it was a clear path to success for the newly expanded player.

In the season opener, it became clear that this was exactly the plan for the coming year, as Stevenson recorded 25 carries for 120 yards and a touchdown, followed by another impressive performance in Week 2, totaling 21 carries for 81 yards and a score.

He had quickly become the only productive member of the struggling offense and it looked like he would be their saving grace in an otherwise disappointing year.

The problem with that assumption, however, was the return of Stevenson’s fumbling issue that plagued his performance during his sophomore season. It was a bad habit that landed him in Bill Belichick’s doghouse, and it took several weeks for him to be fully integrated back into the game plans.

Fast forward to this season, and he’s facing a similar situation with new head coach Jerod Mayo, who holds the running back accountable for his turnovers, especially after his fumble against the 49ers last week led to a score.

Despite the label of player coach, a narrative he has continued to fight against, Mayo appears to have a no-nonsense approach to many things as head coach of the Patriots. He showed that by seemingly giving rookie Javon Baker a healthy scratch after his Instagram live debacle before the season started, and has done it again with Stevenson ahead of Week 5.

The running back now has four fumbles to his name through the first four games of the season, making an already disappointing offense even worse.

That’s why Mayo revealed on Friday afternoon that Stevenson will not be the starter in Sunday’s game against the Dolphins, with Antonio Gibson stepping up in his place, as a way of showing their lack of tolerance for his continued problematic play.

It’s not a position many head coaches in Mayo’s position would take, given how important Stevenson is to the success of the offense. Being a dual-threat player, he is used heavily by Jacoby Brissett, but now he won’t have that option nearly as much, at least for the upcoming game.

It’s likely not a long-term “punishment” for Stevenson, as he has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt to be the Patriots’ best offensive weapon. However, it is not ideal for any team to give as many chances to opponents as they have this year, regardless of how much they win or lose.

Fortunately, Gibson has flashed the opportunities he has been given to get his hands on the football in the meantime and should be a more than adequate replacement for Stevenson’s representatives.

More Patriots news and analysis: