Rhamondre Stevenson is expected to play in Week 12 against the Bengals

The New England Patriots continued to move with the 11th week beat the New York Jets. The Patriots have won eight straight games and are tied with the Denver Broncos for the best record in the NFL at 9-2.

New England will try to extend its winning streak on Sunday when the team heads to Cincinnati to face the Bengals. And the Patriots backfield could be at full strength for the Week 12 matchup.

Rhamondre Stevenson was sidelined due to a toe injury from the 8th week. But after missing three games, he appears to be a veteran running back ready to go on the field. Despite drawing the questionable tag for Sunday’s matchup, Stevenson is expected to play against the Bengals, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Rhamondre Stevenson is ready to take away touches Treveion Henderson

Stevenson’s return is good news for a Patriots team that could use a boost in the backfield. New England’s rushing attack ranks 20th in the league, averaging 112.9 yards per game.

However, not everyone sees the fourth-year RB’s return from injury as a positive. In Stevenson’s absence, the rookie returns Treveion Henderson struck out.

The second-round pick out of Ohio State handled the quarterback duties with Stevenson on the shelf. And after a lackluster performance against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9, Henderson left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 10.

Henderson had 147 yards and two touchdowns in the Patriots’ 28-23 win over Tampa Bay. Then he produced an epic three-touchdown gem in the Jets’ Thursday night loss at New England.

During Stevenson’s three-game injury absence, Henderson totaled 330 yards and five touchdowns. Stevenson has 448 total yards and three touchdowns in eight games this season as the Patriots’ starter.

Henderson was the far more efficient back, averaging 4.9 yards per carry compared to Stevenson’s 3.4 yards per sack. The coach also criticized the veteran rusher for celebrating prematurely and dealt with ball security issues this season.

There is likely to be a change in the hierarchy of the Patriots backfield. But whoever gets the lion’s share carries in the 12th week goes to the feast. The Bengals have the worst run defense in football, allowing 160.9 yards per game. Of course, they are also terrible against the pass, 31st in the league. So maybe it will be a Drake Maye game after all.