The New England Patriots (7-2) continued preparations for Week 10 as they get ready to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2). The Patriots are first in the AFC East while the Buccaneers sit atop the NFC South.
New England’s injury report is quite full, and with both teams fighting for top playoff spots, health remains a key priority.
Patriots Have Several Key Pieces in Flux for Week 10
The Patriots might be without two starters when they travel to Tampa.
Veteran running back Rhamondre Stevenson was held out of practice both Wednesday and Thursday with a toe injury. The Patriots ruled Stevenson out last week after the injury kept him off the field throughout Week 9 prep.
With Stevenson sidelined, rookie TreVeyon Henderson handled most of the backfield work against the Falcons and rushed 14 times for 55 yards while recording four catches for 32 yards on six targets.
At his Monday press conference, head coach Mike Vrabel gave an update on the running back.
“I’m not into predictions. I don’t really do timeframes,” Vrabel said of Stevenson. “But all I can tell you is that he’s working hard… he is fighting to get back as fast as possible.”
In addition to Henderson’s solid body of work against Atlanta, fellow running back Terrell Jennings finished with 11 carries for 35 yards and a touchdown along with a nine-yard reception.
If Stevenson can’t suit up against Tampa Bay, Henderson and Jennings are expected to split duties in the backfield. While there isn’t a need to put Stevenson on injured reserve yet, his injury might cause him to miss this upcoming week.
Vrabel also remained optimistic about wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, saying he “shouldn’t be out too long.”
After Boutte left last week’s game with a hamstring injury, the Patriots increased rookie Kyle Williams’ playing time. Boutte’s return timeline remains uncertain, although the receiver shared via his Discord that he is hopeful to return for Thursday Night Football in Week 11 against the New York Jets.
Williams, a 2025 third-round pick, played a career-high 45.6% of offensive snaps against the Falcons. If Boutte is unavailable Sunday, Williams is expected to have a significant role once again.
Elsewhere, center Garrett Bradbury returned to practice in a limited capacity alongside defensive tackle Joshua Farmer after both missed Wednesday’s session. Bradbury, who suffered a hip injury, has yet to miss a game this season and has started all nine contests. Meanwhile, Farmer, who is dealing with an ankle injury, is a defensive-line depth piece for the Patriots.
One bright spot for New England: cornerback Christian Gonzalez was not listed on the injury report. The 2024 Second-Team All-Pro had been in concussion protocol but appears ready for Sunday’s contest after practicing in full both Wednesday and Thursday, although he’ll still need to be cleared by an independent neurologist.
Who’s Missing for Tampa Bay Ahead of Week 10?
On the other side, the Buccaneers’ offense is also dealing with major injuries.
Their top offensive playmakers, Chris Godwin and Bucky Irving, have missed two straight practices. Tampa Bay will already be without six-time Pro Bowler Mike Evans, who remains on injured reserve with a collarbone injury and is expected to miss significant time.
Wide receivers Tez Johnson and Cade Otton combined for 11 targets in Week 8 and are expected to remain among the top contributors in the receiver room. Running back Rachaad White could also see an increased workload, but he’s averaged just 3.2 yards per carry in the last two games.
Other players who didn’t practice for the Buccaneers on Thursday included linebackers Haason Reddick (groin) and Markees Watts (hamstring). Without Reddick and Watts, Tampa Bay would be incredibly thin at the edge position.
What’s Next for the Patriots?
Both teams need a win to stay within striking distance of a top seed in their conference. For New England, keeping pace in the AFC requires a big road win against one of their toughest opponents yet.
Without their top offensive playmakers, Stevenson and Boutte, this game poses an extra challenge for quarterback Drake Maye and the offense. For Tampa Bay, finding production without Evans and possibly Godwin will test the team’s depth pieces.
Kickoff for the Patriots and Buccaneers is set for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Raymond James Stadium. The game will be broadcast nationally on CBS, with Tony Romo and Jim Nantz on the call.
