Patriots Offensive Stars Expected to Play in Week 15

The New England Patriots should have their two most important offensive weapons for their Week 15 showdown with the Las Vegas Raiders. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports running back Rhamondre Stevenson and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers are expected to start on Sunday.

#Patriots WR Jakobi Meyers (concussion) is expected to play, while RB Rhamondre Stevenson, questionable with an ankle injury, has what is described as a "good chance" to go, as well. A pre-game workout will determine his fate.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 18, 2022

Meyers missed last week's Monday Night Football 27-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals with a concussion suffered in Week 13's 24-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Stevenson suffered an ankle injury against the Cardinals that limited him to five touches on 13 offensive snaps.

Stevenson and Meyers rank first and second in catches on the Patriots, and Stevenson is also the team's leading rusher. Without question, they are the key cogs on an offense that ranks 18th in scoring this season. Their presence should be a huge relief to a 7-6 Patriots squad that desperately needs to win today to stay alive in the AFC Wildcard race.

Stevenson joined the Patriots as their 120th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. A powerful, thick-bodied back with surprising adeptness in the passing game, he has emerged as a star for the team this year, totalling 1127 yards from scrimmage in 13 appearances this year. Meyers came to the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2019. His 593 receiving yards lead the Patriots this year. He's set to hit unrestricted free agency following this season.