New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson is expected to miss the next several weeks with a plantaris tendon injury behind his knee, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Stevenson suffered the injury late in the third quarter of Sunday's Week 9 game and did not return.
The injury will not require surgery, with rest and rehabilitation expected to be the primary treatment.
Stevenson will miss Sunday's Week 10 matchup against the Detroit Lions before New England enters its Week 11 bye. The Patriots have not announced whether he will be placed on injured reserve.
Pro Football Doc Analysis: Rhamondre Stevenson's Plantaris Tendon Injury
Pro Football Doc Dr. David Chao described the plantaris tendon injury as an unusual condition affecting the back of the knee and calf.
The plantaris tendon originates near the lower end of the femur and extends down the back of the leg toward the Achilles tendon.
According to Dr. Chao, the injury can be painful and bothersome but generally heals with time rather than surgical intervention.
Dr. Chao also characterized Stevenson's recovery timeline as a borderline four-week injured reserve situation, suggesting his absence could approach the minimum time required for an IR stint.
