FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) The New England Patriots have put running back Dion Lewis on injured reserve, ending his season one day after a serious injury to his left knee in a win over Washington.
Team officials announced the move on Monday, hours after coach Bill Belichick said Lewis’ chances to play didn’t look so good as he was finishing up some tests.
Lewis had been one of the biggest surprises for the Patriots (8-0) this season, with 622 combined yards rushing and receiving in seven games.
Lewis was hurt Sunday after catching a 14-yard screen pass. His left leg buckled as he tried to make a cut, causing him to grab for his leg as he went down. Lewis was checked on the field then walked off without a serious limp.
New England beat the Redskins (3-5) 27-10.
”Whether it’s me, whether it’s Brandon (Bolden), whether it’s LG (LeGarrette Blount), we have to step in and do whatever we can to help this team,” said running back James White, who was inactive on Sunday but is likely to be back in the mix for a spot on the active roster.
Lewis signed a two-year contract extension last month.
He was third in the league among running backs with 36 catches.
The Patriots are used to managing injuries – among others this season, tackle Sebastian Vollmer injured his head on Sunday.
With Lewis and Vollmer out, quarterback Tom Brady threw an 18-yard touchdown to running back Brandon Bolden for Bolden’s first receiving touchdown.
”Everybody practices like they’re a starter, like they’re going to be playing a hundred snaps every game,” said White, who has seven carries for 15 yards this season. ”When you get your opportunity, no matter how many snaps it is, we go out there and we try to do whatever we can to help move the chains for our team.”
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