FOXBORO — Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said prior to Saturday’s game that running back Antonio Gibson would start over Rhamondre Stevenson during an interview with analyst Scott Zolak on 98.5 The Sports Hub.

So, it was a surprise to see Stevenson out with the starters on the Patriots’ first offensive snap.

“That was just a coach’s decision,” Mayo said.

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When asked a follow-up, Mayo reiterated it was a coach’s decision, “so, I’ll leave it at that.”

Gibson said he hadn’t been told during the week that he’d be starting.

“I don’t know nothing about that at all,” Gibson said.

He said nothing was communicated before the game about why Stevenson started.

Stevenson has fumbled seven times this season. He lost a key fumble in last Sunday’s loss to the Bills, though Gibson also fumbled in that game.

Gibson carried the ball 12 times for 63 yards, though most of his production came on the Patriots’ final drive. Stevenson carried the ball twice for 1 yard. Both backs were targeted once but neither caught a pass.

The Patriots switched running backs on their second drive, with Gibson entering the game.

Mayo has had to walk back many comments made to the media this season. This was one of the more bizarre instances.