FOXBORO — The Patriots voluntarily benched running back Rhamondre Stevenson in Week 5. They might have no choice in the matter this week against the Texans.

Stevenson missed his second straight practice Thursday due to a foot injury. The fourth-year pro didn’t start Week 5 after fumbling in four straight games and losing fumbles two weeks in a row. Veteran Antonio Gibson started in his place.

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Safety Kyle Dugger (ankle) returned for Thursday’s session. He missed Week 5 with the ankle ailment. It would be helpful to get Dugger back this week against the Texans since fellow starting safety Jabrill Peppers is on the commissioner’s exempt list for his arrest Saturday morning.

Patriots practice squad defensive tackle Trysten Hill also was absent for Thursday’s practice. New center Ben Brown, who was signed off the Raiders’ practice squad, was in uniform wearing No. 77.