New England Patriots RB Dion Lewis has returned to practice, starting the 21-day timer before the Patriots have to activate him to the 53-man roster.
Here are some pictures and videos from the media!
Dion Lewis is back! pic.twitter.com/vKnHcBtN8p
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) October 27, 2016
Here's more photos of Dion Lewis stretching, warming up and standing still. You're welcome. pic.twitter.com/eeH3GZRHso
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) October 27, 2016
Dion Lewis loosening up before practice pic.twitter.com/6UEqHaH8Gf
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) October 27, 2016
The Patriots face the Bills on Sunday and it is unlike that Lewis will be activated for that game. New England has a bye next week and it would seem like the Patriots are targeting for Lewis to return against the Seahawks in week 10 or the 49ers in week 11.
Even if Lewis returns, it’s probable that the team will keep him on a snap count. I would expect Lewis to follow the same 4-week return strategy that TE Rob Gronkowski followed, where Lewis plays a drive or two in his first couple of games back, before slowly increasing the work load the subsequent two weeks.
The Patriots offense is about to get a little shiftier with Lewis back in the line-up. Practice was in full pads and DT Vincent Valentine (back) was the only player not present.