FOXBOROUGH – Wobbly ball security ultimately didn’t cost Rhamondre Stevenson his starting spot on Saturday.

Although Jerod Mayo said Antonio Gibson would get the start on 98.5 SportsHub’s pregame show and the Patriots would “definitely” see more of him, it was Stevenson in his normal starting role. Stevenson was also the first substitute during pregame warmups. Last weekend in Buffalo, the back fumbled for the seventh time and also dropped a lateral that was returned for a touchdown.

“I have to hold onto the ball,” Stevenson said after the 24-21 loss. “I’m very confident at the moment. I just have to hold the ball. It’s very simple.”

Stevenson’s seven fumbles are the most for a running back since 2020 and he is just the fourth back since 2010 with that many in a single season.

“I think everyone understands how important football is,” Mayo said. “We’re a team that just can’t turn the ball over. I don’t think any team can really afford to turn the ball over. I thought Gibby did a great job when he came in there (against Buffalo)…Look, I’ll say this: All of us in this building are behind Rhamondre and the things he’s doing. He does a lot of good things. Unfortunately the ball is on the ground too often at the moment.”

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