Patriots’ Rhamondre Stevenson dealing with knee tendon issue

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots top running back Rhamondre Stevenson is dealing with a knee tendon issue that is not expected to require surgery but could sideline him for a short period of time, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The injury is to the back of Stevenson’s knee and is expected to keep him out the next few weeks, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Stevenson sustained the injury late in the third quarter of the Patriots’ blowout loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, when he was twisted down on a 6-yard reception. The Patriots trailed 42-14 at the time.

With No. 2 running back TreVeyon Henderson missing the past two games because of an illness, the Patriots could be down to their third and fourth options — Corey Kiner and Lan Larison, respectively — for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions in Munich. New England also has running back Terrell Jennings on the practice squad.

The 5-4 Patriots are scheduled to travel to Munich late Wednesday and then have their bye week after the game.

Stevenson has played 65% of the offensive snaps this season, totaling 399 yards on 102 carries (3.9 avg.) and two touchdowns. He has added 26 receptions for 258 yards and two touchdowns. Coach Mike Vrabel noted his excellence in pass protection as a key for the offense.

Kiner, whom the Patriots acquired in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals on Aug. 29, could get an increased workload. He has played 13% of the offensive snaps, totaling 244 yards on 50 carries (4.9 avg.).

“Corey is working extremely hard and has done a really nice job,” Vrabel said earlier Monday, noting that his blitz pickup will be an important area to continue to grow.