The Patriots dodged major injury bullets with Julian Edelman, Rob Gronkowski and Malcolm Mitchel, but they weren’t so lucky when it came to running back Dion Lewis.
On Sunday morning, Jim McBride of the Boston Globe reported that Lewis would have to have a second knee surgery and the timetable for a return is uncertain.
BREAKING: #Patriots RB Dion Lewis needs 2d knee surgery, league source confirms. Timetable for his return is uncertain. Tore ACL last Nov. 8
— Jim McBride (@globejimmcbride) August 21, 2016
In The Wolf’s latest PPR running back rankings, he listed the pass-catching back as his RB21.
After sitting out two full seasons of football, Lewis shined in his first season with the Patriots. In only seven games, Lewis caught 36 balls for 388 yards and two touchdowns. Primarily a pass catcher, Lewis also added 234 yards on the ground with another two touchdowns. He seemed like the perfect Swiss Army Knife for the Patriots’ scheme until he tore his ACL against the Washington Redskins on November 8th.
From a fantasy perspective, it will be hard to trust any member of the Patriots backfield. Coach Belichick will run a committee, primarily using LeGarrette Blount and James White, who has had a nice camp and two solid preseason games. White will be a decent streamer option, but as we all know, the consistency from a usage standpoint will vary.
UPDATE:
Surgery Lewis needs does not involve the ACL. Will have 8-10 week recovery time. https://t.co/EQN1oXuNWS
— Tom E. Curran (@tomecurran) August 21, 2016
