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New England Patriots Roster Recap: Running Backs

By Marcus Stanois

Jan 14, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) celebrates with teammates after returning a kick for a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the first quarter in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) celebrates with teammates after returning a kick for a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the first quarter in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 14, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) returns a kick for a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the first half in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) returns a kick for a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the first half in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports /

Dion Lewis, age 26

Dion Lewis has found himself on the bubble in New England. After his impressive 2015 season was cut short by a torn ACL, Lewis never reached the same level of play in 2016. The Patriots initially signed Lewis to a future contract in 2014 and a solid training camp found him a spot on the team’s 53-man roster.

In 2015, Lewis tallied 234 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns along with 36 catches for 388 receiving yards, and two touchdown catches. That November he tore his ACL in a game against the Washington Redskins. Lewis started 2016 on the PUP list and wouldn’t play again until Week 11. He finished the 2016 regular season with 412 all-purpose yards and no touchdowns. In the Divisional Round of the 2016 playoffs, Lewis had a rushing touchdown, receiving touchdown, and a kick return touchdown.

Lewis has one year left on the two-year extension New England gave him in 2015. In 2017, his cap hit will be $1.47 million. The Patriots already have two receiving backs in James White and Rex Burkhead and the team may prefer to spend that money retaining LeGarrette Blount.

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