Preseason standout Rhamondre Stevenson recently suffered what the New England Patriots hope was a minor setback.
The rookie running back dislocated his thumb in practice last week, The Athletic's Jeff Howe reported Wednesday. There's "some optimism" Stevenson could play Sunday in the Patriots' season opener against the Miami Dolphins, per Howe.
Stevenson had a stellar preseason, leading all rushers with 216 yards on 30 carries (7.2 yards per carry) with five rushing touchdowns. He also led all preseason ballcarriers in rushing yards over expected by a wide margin and earned glowing praise from both local and national media.