Stevenson missed Friday’s practice due to his illness, but after attending team meetings on Saturday the running back has recovered and should be out on the field, according to Rapoport. After breaking out in his second season to collect 1,040 rushing yards and five touchdowns, Stevenson is expected to play a major role in New England’s run game alongside offseason acquisition Ezekiel Elliott.
But while the Patriots will have an intact RB group, the wide receiver room will be without one of its starters in Parker. He was a limited participant throughout the week’s practices, earning the questionable injury designation on Friday’s official report, and it appears his knee will not be ready in time for Week 1.