Stevenson suffered a dislocated thumb in practice last week, but the Patriots have some optimism the rookie will be available for Sunday's season opener versus the Dolphins, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports.
The six-foot, 231-pound back looks like a candidate to serve as a short-yardage/goal-line option for the Patriots to begin the season after the team released quarterback Cam Newton and traded Sony Michel to the Rams, but Stevenson's thumb injury suddenly threatens his availability for Week 1. Though the Patriots believe he might be OK for the season opener, Stevenson will have to prove in practice this week that the thumb issue doesn't affect his ability to securely handle or catch the football. Later Wednesday, New England will release its first official practice report of the season, which will reveal the extent of Stevenson's participation.