The New England Patriots decided to bench starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson prior to the start of Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers-- but didn't.  Head coach Jerod Mayo told pregame shows that Antonio Gibson would start over Stevenson about 20 minutes prior to game time.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo pulled the stunner by going back to Rhamondre Stevenson. Did h explain the reason why?

This is not the first time this season that the Patriots have given thought to benching Stevenson because of his ball security issues. After Stevenson fumbled in each of the first four games of the season -- losing two of them -- Antonio Gibson got the start at running back for New England in Week 5 against the Dolphins.

New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo explained the decision to start Rhamondre Stevenson vs. Los Angeles Chargers. The New England Patriots are enduring a challenging NFL season, officially eliminated from playoff contention and struggling to produce positive results.

The New England Patriots are playing out another lost season as the team will miss the playoffs for the third straight year. New England entered Week 17 with a 3-12 record. The disappointing campaign has first-year head coach Jerod Mayo on the hot seat.

It's no secret that New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has few offensive weapons around him this season. One coach went as far as to say the

PM ET on NFL Network, sportsbooks have issued player prop bet markets on Rhamondre Stevenson. Stevenson’s New England Patriots (3-12) and

Stevenson won't start at running back for the Patriots in Saturday's game against the Chargers ... but his ball security issues of late could lead to Gibson logging a higher percentage of New England's backfield snaps compared to his usual in Week 17.

Stevenson powered his way through tackles and rumbled into the end zone from 14 yards out for the score. The drive itself took nine plays, 91 yards and 9:57 off the clock. It was Stevenson’s seventh rushing touchdown of the season.

One positive to close it out: It was nice to see safeties Dell Pettus, Jalynn Hawkins and Marte Mapu have an extended hour-plus heart-to-heart in the locker room after Saturday’s loss. It was also nice to see Wise, a defensive captain, sit down to have a chat with Polk after the game.

Rhamondre Stevenson might not be considered the Patriots' feature back by head coach Jerod Mayo, but that's only reduced his rushing yards total to a more appealing number. Neil Parker is targeting the Over for Stevenson vs. the Chargers.

The New England Patriots have new internal tensions ... Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo delivered a stunning reversal involving Rhamondre Stevenson. Antonio Gibson, not Stevenson, was first set ...