Stevan Ridley

When Patriots running backs have struggled with ball security in the past, Bill Belichick hasn't hesitated to reduce their workload. One of the more extreme examples came in 2013 when top running back Stevan Ridley had a string of fumbles and was a healthy scratch as a result of it.

Surely, it would take more than what unfolded Sunday for Belichick to take that type of approach with Damien Harris, who had a promising opening performance (23 carries, 100 yards; two catches for 17 yards) before the miscue.

Related players: J.J. Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson

But, the story went on to say, it isn't unrealistic to think Belichick will assess Harris' workload in the opener, and consider a reduction heading into Sunday's road game against the New York Jets. Stevenson (five snaps) had fumbled earlier in the game and was essentially put on ice afterward. He also had a tough time in blitz pickup, the story said. The article went on to say second-year running back Taylor was a healthy scratch for the opener, so he could be an option to replace Stevenson -- and supplement Harris in the traditional running back role -- against the Jets. Needless to say, it's potentially shaping up to be a fantasy mess, just when Harris looked like he could be a constant in the Patriots run game.