Patriots rule out one starter, confirm two major returns vs. Bengals

The New England Patriots will get a major boost on the offensive side of the ball on Sunday with running back Rhamondre Stevenson and wide receiver Kayshon Boutte both slated to return against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Mike Vrabel announced on Friday that both players are expected to be back in the lineup for Week 12. However, he also announced that veteran linebacker Jahlani Tavai will be out for personal reasons.

Stevenson has missed the last three games with a toe injury. That has led to a significant snap increase for rookie TreVeyon Henderson, who suddenly looks like the most electric playmaker on the entire offense. Stevenson's return creates an issue when it comes to the split load between the two running backs. It's hard to envision a scenario where Henderson is limited in the ways that he was before Stevenson's injury.

Boutte being back in the lineup is big news as well considering he has been Maye's favorite downfield target this season. His return would add another explosive dynamic that hasn't been there for the last two games, since he went down with a hamstring injury.

Both returns are just in time for a matchup against the league-worst defense in Cincinnati. Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels must be salivating.

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots rule out one starter, confirm two major returns vs. Bengals