The same hip injury that recently forced Ryan Fitzpatrick into retirement has sadly done the same to pass-catching specialist James White.

Related Players: Rhamondre Stevenson, Ty Montgomery, Pierre Strong

One of —if not the— best pass-catching running backs of his generation, White will hang up the cleats at 30 years old. In his steed, it clears the way for Stevenson to continue working on third downs, while dark horse veteran Ty Montgomery could find himself with a bigger workload than we would have imagined when he signed with the team.

Former Packers and Saints hybrid player Montgomery on the right side of the roster bubble with James White beginning the season on the PUP list.

Related Players: Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson, Pierre Strong

The article would go on to mention, "He’s listed as a wide receiver but has seen just as many reps in the backfield this summer, if not more, looking like a strong candidate to handle third-down back duties if White can’t recover from hip surgery in time for the season." It may be time to cool the hype train on Rhamondre Stevenson, as this would severely hinder his fantasy upside as it was believed he may be the one operating as the receiving back on the New England carousel.

There's still no clear timetable for RB James White's return from hip surgery, per source.

Related players: Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson, Pierre Strong Jr., J.J. Taylor, Ty Montgomery, Kevin Harris

It's possible he remains on PUP to start the season, but the Patriots still have a few more weeks to evaluate his recovery and decide if he's ready to practice before the end of preseason, the tweet went on to say. Stevenson, at least early on in camp, had been the target of a lot of passes, according to reports, so he could potentially take over White's role. The Patriots, just this week, complimented Montgomery, as a player who can do a little bit of everything.

Patriots beat reporter Andrew Callahan has Stevenson down for six catches on seven targets, tied with wide receiver DeVante Parker (5-of-7).

Related Players: Damien Harris, James White

It's obviously early, but the drum beat continues for Stevenson, who could not only usurp the third down role but also still some early round work from Damien Harris if everything falls right. Of 50 qualifying running backs (min. 100 carries) in 2021, Stevenson ranked sixth in yards after contact/attempt (3.1) and seventh in broken-plus-missed tackles (18.8%), while Harris ranked 30th and 25th respectively in those two categories.

Damien Harris opened with the ones but was rotated out with Rhamondre Stevenson as practice went on.

Related players: Damien Harris

The tweet added Damien Harris is playing with the 2s behind Hoyer. Obviously it's early, but there has been rumblings of Stevenson getting more involved this year. The tweet went on to say there were lots of check downs to Stevenson and that he was looking good, fast and bulked. Any kind of role in the passing game could give Stevenson an edge, but for now we have Harris ahead of him in our rankings.

The New England Patriots have re-signed RB James White.

Related Players: Rhamondre Stevenson, Damien Harris

White has been the receiving back for years in New England and delivers a potential blow to the fantasy values of Harris and Stevenson.

Patriots RB Damien Harris (hamstring) and WR Jakobi Meyers (thigh) are questionable for Saturday's Super Wild Card game against the Buffalo Bills.

Related Player: Rhamondre Stevenson

Both are expected to play, so take these designations at face value.

The New England Patriots have removed RB Rhamondre Stevenson from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Stevenson will rejoin the Patriots backfield with Damien Harris.

Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson and WR Nelson Agholor will miss Week 16's game against the Buffalo Bills due to non-COVID illnesses.

UPDATE: Stevenson has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Wash your hands and start Damien Harris (hopefully) and Jakobi Meyers.

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson remained sidelined during Thursday's practice due to an illness.

While there is optimism that Stevenson will recover in time for Sunday's matchup against the Buffalo Bills, fantasy managers should be sure to have a backup option at the ready. If Stevenson cannot go, Damien Harris will boast RB1 upside for what could be another run-heavy gameplan against the division rivals. If Rhamondre is active, both backs will hover around the RB2 periphery with their touchdown upside making them legit RB2 options in some formats.