Some unexpected news came about during the New England Patriots' first practice in Germany, ahead of Sunday's Week 10 game against the Detroit Lions.

Starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who missed Wednesday's practice with a knee injury, was spotted working off to the side. It's a great sign for the Patriots after it was initially reported that the injury is expected to sideline Stevenson for some time.

Granted, this doesn't guarantee that he'll be out on the field for the game this week, but it does give him a legitimate shot at playing. ESPN's Mike Reiss posted a video of the Patriots' No. 1 running back loosening up along the sideline at practice on Thursday.

Stevenson suffered the injury late in last week's loss to the Green Bay Packers, and he was seen limping off the field. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel was asked about the possibility of the veteran running back going on injured reserve, but he was non-committal with his response and pointed to the team's dire circumstances.

"If you pay attention, we don't have too many spots left here to bring guys back on injured reserve," Vrabel told media members.

The Patriots used their fifth of eight allowed return designations on fullback Reggie Gilliam this week. With offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker and wide receiver Romeo Doubs also slated to return at some point, the team is quickly running out of spots to bring players back.

But if Stevenson is already practicing to some degree, it bodes well that his injury might not be as serious as originally thought.

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