The Patriots say the error-prone Stevenson won’t start against the Dolphins

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo said the team is making changes to its running game after Rhamondre Stevenson fouled out in each of the first four games.

“I talked to Rhamondre and he won’t be starting,” Mayo said on the “Patriots All-Access” television show that aired Friday night. “…I will be honest and transparent. But he will play. And he understands that he must protect football in the future.”

Five-year veteran Antonio Gibson is expected to start in Stevenson’s place when the Patriots (1-3) host the Miami Dolphins (1-3) on Sunday.

Mayo suggested this change earlier this week.

“We can’t preach ‘ball safety is job security’ and still have him on the pitch most of the time,” Mayo said. “I think it sends a stronger message to the players that there are some things we just can’t do to win – especially with the team we have today.”

The 6-foot-1, 227-pound Stevenson started the first four games, playing 159 snaps and rushing for 267 yards on 65 carries (4.1-yard average) and two touchdowns. He also has nine receptions for 34 yards. However, he made mistakes in each of the first two games, the Patriots recovered in both games, and lost in the previous two games.

The 6-foot-1, 228-pound Gibson was the top backup, playing 71 snaps and totaling 29 carries for 155 yards, while also adding seven receptions for 82 yards.

Stevenson was preparing for the change earlier in the week.

“I’m very hard on myself,” he told ESPN. “I’m more disappointed in myself than anyone could be. It’s very simple: I just have to hold on to the ball and have the mentality to get it out every time. It’s my job and I don’t do it.” I wasn’t doing it right.”