FOXBORO — The Patriots could make a change to their starting offense for Week 5.
Head coach Jerod Mayo said it’s “definitely under consideration” to start running back Antonio Gibson over Rhamondre Stevenson on Sunday against the Dolphins over ball security issues.
Stevenson has fumbled in each of the Patriots’ first four games this season. He’s lost fumbles in Weeks 3 and 4.
“We can’t preach ball security is job security and still have him out there the majority of the time,” Mayo said.
Stevenson’s previous career high in fumbles came in 2022 on 279 touches. His four fumbles this season have come on just 74 touches.
Stevenson, who signed a four-year, $36 million contract extension this offseason with $17 million guaranteed as one of the Patriots’ best overall players.
The Patriots leaned on Stevenson in their lone win this season Week 1 when he had 25 carries for 120 yards with a touchdown and three catches for 6 yards. He has 267 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 65 carries this season while adding nine catches for 34 yards.
Gibson, who signed a three-year, $11.25 million contract with the Patriots as a free agent this offseason, has 29 carries for 155 yards and seven catches for 82 yards this season. He’s second behind Stevenson in yards from scrimmage this season and has the Patriots’ two longest offensive plays, a 50-yard catch and 45-yard run.
