The New England Patriots have placed running back Dion Lewis on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, forcing him off the field for the first six weeks of the season. Lewis is undergoing a surgery on his knee after he suffered a setback in July. The surgery is not for his ACL or any other ligaments.
Source: the Patriots have officially placed RB Dion Lewis on the PUP list, meaning he will miss at least the first 6 weeks of the season.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 30, 2016
The Patriots will look to running back James White to step up in Lewis’ place for the first half of the season, as White has proven to be an elite receiving back. White cannot produce the same rushing ability as Lewis, though, so the offense will take a hit in its versatility.
The expectation is that Lewis will be close to ready at the end of his six weeks, so he could return to the field fairly quickly after he is activated.
Best of luck to Lewis as he works his way back to the field.
The Patriots now have 76 players on the roster and need to announce one more move.