Bill Belichick Offers Little On Patriots' Plan For Dion Lewis
BOSTON (CBS) -- Dion Lewis is back on the practice field, but Patriots head coach Bill Belichick offered little in way of the team's plans for the running back.
Lewis is still on the PUP list, and his return to practice on Thursday started a 21-day window for the Patriots to activate him or place him on IR for the rest of the season.
Belichick discussed Lewis' return at his press conference on Friday morning, but in typical Belichick fashion, didn't provide any hints as to what their plan is for the running back.
"Well, he's been out there doing things with training staff for a long time. So, this is the next step," Belichick said of Lewis' return to practice. "Dion works really hard. I think nobody works harder than Dion."
Lewis tore his ACL last season on November 8 against the Washington Redskins and underwent surgery shortly after. He appeared to be on schedule ahead of the 2016 season, but had a setback in July that required a clean-up procedure that landed him on the PUP to start training camp.
Now that he's back on the practice field, Lewis' next step is suiting up and playing for the Patriots. When that will happen remains a mystery.
The team does have an open roster spot ahead of Sunday's game in Buffalo, so they could take Lewis off the PUP before the game and make him inactive for the tilt. The Patriots are on their bye week following their clash with the Bills, so Lewis will have plenty of opportunities to ease his way back in practice before he sees the field for game action.
The shifty 5-foot-8 back provided a great spark out of the backfield during his first year in New England, averaging 4.8 yards per carry and 10.8 yards per reception. He finished his injury-shortened season with career-highs in rushing yards (234), receiving yards (388) and four total touchdowns in seven games.