Patriots Place Leading Rusher on Injured Reserve

FOXBORO — The New England Patriots are adding some depth, and potential, to a cornerback room in serious need of both by claiming cornerback Marco Wilson off waivers from the Arizona Cardinals.

However, Wilson’s arrival will be made bittersweet as the team heads into its Week 17 matchup with the Buffalo Bills. To make room for he former Cardinals defensive back on their active roster, the Pats placed running back Rhamondre Stevenson on season-ending injured reserve.

New England’s third-year rusher suffered a high-ankle sprain while attempting to secure a first down in the first quarter of their Week 13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. An MRI initially confirmed the injury would require him to miss at least “a few weeks.” However, he had not practiced with the team since incurring the injury on Dec. 3.

Stevenson finishes the season with 619 yards and four touchdowns, while averaging four yards per attempt. He was also a notable contributor in the passing game, catching 38 passes for 238 yards. Veteran Ezekiel Elliott has assumed the lead back duties in Stevenson’s absence, while second-year rusher Kevin Harris has served as the team’s top reserve.

Though the running back room may have one less tenant for their remaining two games, Wilson’s arrival has the potential to bolster the Pats’ depth at cornerback. The 24-year-old has appeared in 15 games for the Cards this season, logging 52 total tackles and four passes-defensed.

After playing four years of college football at Florida, Wilson was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round (No. 136 overall) in the 2021 NFL Draft. Wilson finished his rookie season with 48 tackles, two forced fumbles, and two passes defensed through 14 games and 13 starts.

In Week 7 of the 2022 season, Wilson had a 38-yard interception return for a touchdown, along with three tackles and two pass breakups, in a 42-34 win over the New Orleans Saints, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week. He finished the campaign with 58 total tackles (two for loss), 10 passes-defenses and three interceptions — two of which came against then-Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback and Patriots legend Tom Brady.

New England’s cornerback depth chart has been quite thin lately. In addition to the season ending injury and illness to rookie Christian Gonzalez and J.C. Jackson respectively, Pats veteran Jonathan Jones has been hampered by both knee and ankle injuries for the better part of the season.

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Slot corner Myles Byrant has been forced into duty all over New England’s defendive backfield, while rookie Alex Austin and third-year defensive back Shaun Wade have been taking in primary duties along the perimeter.

The Patriots (4-11) are set to take on the Bills (9-6) at Highmark Stadium on Sunday at 1 p.m.