Jerod Mayo Teases Potential Demotion For Patriots Starter Vs. Chargers

The Patriots had three giveaways on Sunday in New England’s loss to the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium.

Rhamondre Stevenson had a costly fumble in the third quarter that the Bills were able to turn into seven points nine plays later. Despite the turnover, Stevenson still led the Patriots with 60 rushing yards on 12 carries and a touchdown against Buffalo.

The miscue was the seventh fumble of the season for Stevenson. That equals the number of fumbles he’s had in his previous three NFL seasons combined. After Stevenson fumbled in each of the first four games of the season, Antonio Gibson got the start at running back for New England in Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins.

Jerod Mayo hinted toward a possible change in the backfield when the Patriots host the Los Angeles Chargers this Sunday at Gillette Stadium.

“Look, I think everyone understands how important the football is,” Mayo told reporters on Monday, per team-provided transcript. “We’re a team that we just can’t turn the ball over. I don’t think any team can really afford to turn the ball over.

“I thought (Antonio Gibson), when he got in there, did a great job. Look, we had to go back and talk about it as a staff, but it’s definitely still a possibility. Look, I will say this: we all in this building stand behind Rhamondre and the things that he does. He does a lot of good things. Unfortunately, right now, the ball’s just on the ground too much.”

Gibson rushed for 28 yards on 10 carries against the Bills on Sunday. He also fumbled, but the Patriots recovered the ball and kept possession. Gibson has fumbled twice on 96 carries this season, but New England retained possession both times. He has 434 rushing yards with one touchdown and an additional 186 receiving yards on 19 catches.