The New England Patriots are heading to Germany short on running backs.

Top back Rhamondre Stevenson has a tendon injury in the back of his knee. It is not expected to require surgery but is expected to keep him out for the next few weeks, according to reports Monday night.

Stevenson was hurt late in the third quarter of Sunday's 45-27 loss to the Green Bay Packers when he was twisted down at the end of a 6-yard catch. New England was already trailing 42-14 at the time.

Running back room gets thin

The timing is rough. No. 2 running back TreVeyon Henderson has missed the past two games because of an illness. That could leave the Patriots leaning on Corey Kiner and Lan Larison on Sunday against the Detroit Lions in Munich. Terrell Jennings is on the practice squad.

Kiner, acquired from the Arizona Cardinals in a trade on Aug. 29, has 244 yards on 50 carries this season. That is 4.9 yards per carry in limited work.

"Corey is working extremely hard and has done a really nice job" coach Mike Vrabel said earlier Monday. He pointed to blitz pickup as an area where Kiner can keep growing.

Stevenson has played 65% of the offensive snaps. He has 399 yards and two touchdowns on 102 carries plus 26 catches for 258 yards and two more scores. Vrabel has praised his work in pass protection as a key to the offense.

Bye week ahead

The 5-4 Patriots fly to Munich late Wednesday. They have their bye week after the Lions game, which gives Stevenson extra time to heal before New England plays again.