FOXBORO, Mass. — Dion Lewis didn’t quite look like himself less than seven months removed from ACL surgery, but that’s to be expected for the New England Patriots running back.
Lewis tore the ACL in his left knee Nov. 8 and underwent surgery to repair it Nov. 18. Monday’s organized team activities session marked the first time Lewis has hit the practice field since the injury, and he didn’t show the quickness, speed and cutting ability that made him so dangerous early in the 2015 season, when he had 234 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 49 carries and 36 receptions for 388 yards with two more scores. But that he was on the field at all this early was a great sign.
“It’s good to be back out with my teammates, just to feel like part of the team again,” Lewis said Monday after practice. “Just happy to be out here and do whatever I can and just try to work hard so I can help my team.”
Lewis wouldn’t confirm whether he’ll be back for Week 1, but practicing in June certainly is a positive sign for the versatile running back.
“Whatever the team thinks I can do, whatever I do with my rehab, I’m doing whatever the trainers tell me to do and whatever is going to be best for the team,” Lewis said. “So whatever they think is going to help me help the team or get my knee better or quicker, faster, however, I’m going to do whatever the team tells me to do.”
Getting back on the practice field this early can only help Lewis overcome some of the hesitation that naturally comes from tearing an ACL. Lewis, who didn’t wear a knee brace at practice, only participated in individual, positional and 3-on-5 drills Monday, sitting out 7-on-7s and 11-on-11s. He can still afford to take it slow since the goal is to get him back to 100 percent by the time the season begins.
“I wanted to be back so bad,” Lewis said. “When I come back I want to be me. That’s the only person, player I know how to be is me. I think working hard will help me be me quicker. I think me being me will help the team win. I’m all about the team. Whatever I do is for the team. I love football. When I couldn’t be out there with my team last year, it hurt. I just use that as a motivation.”
Lewis is the lone lock at running back to make the Patriots’ initial 53-man roster, barring any injuries or setbacks. LeGarrette Blount and Brandon Bolden are very likely to make the roster, while James White, Donald Brown, D.J. Foster, Tyler Gaffney and Joey Iosefa are competing for what could be just one final spot.
Thumbnail photo via Timothy T. Ludwig/USA TODAY Sports Images
