Stevenson injury leaves Patriots scrambling for depth in Munich

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson is expected to miss several weeks with a knee tendon injury. The team will face the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Munich without its primary ball carrier. Sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter that surgery is not required, but the absence will last for a brief period.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport identified the injury as affecting a tendon at the back of Stevenson's knee. The damage occurred near the end of the third quarter in a recent loss to the Green Bay Packers. Stevenson twisted to the ground after catching a pass for a six-yard gain. The Patriots trailed 42-14 at the time of the injury.

The injury creates immediate problems for the New England backfield. Second-string running back TreVeyon Henderson has missed two straight games due to illness. If both players remain unavailable against Detroit, the team will turn to Corey Kiner and Lan Larison. Terrell Jennings, a member of the practice squad, provides the only other option at the position.

Stevenson has been a central figure in the offense this season. He played 65 percent of New England's offensive snaps. His statistics include 399 rushing yards on 102 carries and 258 receiving yards on 26 catches. He has scored four total touchdowns. Coach Mike Vrabel has previously noted Stevenson's importance in pass protection.

Corey Kiner is positioned to increase his workload significantly. Acquired from the Arizona Cardinals in an Aug. 29 trade, Kiner has gained 244 yards on 50 carries. His average of 4.9 yards per carry exceeds Stevenson's average. He has played 13 percent of the team's offensive snaps so far.

Vrabel commented on Kiner's preparation earlier Monday. "Corey is working extremely hard and has done a really nice job," Vrabel said. The coach identified the ability to pick up blitzes as a key area for Kiner's continued development.

The Patriots hold a 5-4 record and are scheduled to depart for Munich late Wednesday. A bye week follows the Lions game, offering a break in the schedule after the international trip. The team must finalize its offensive plan before the flight.