The New England Patriots took a smart, patient approach to integrate running back Dion Lewis back into the mix in Sunday's 30-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, playing him 22 snaps in his season debut.
"It was like riding a bike," Lewis said of the first game he's played since tearing his left ACL on Nov. 8, 2015. "I've been playing this game for a long time."
Meanwhile, fellow passing back James White played 24, which foreshadows how Lewis' return will slice into White's playing time.
Lewis finished with five carries for 23 yards, while adding three catches for 26. His ability to make defenders miss was hard to miss, even if he's still not back at pre-injury levels at this point, the story said. In an attempt to get him going right away, the Patriots had him start and targeted him on their first and third passes. As for the snaps, it was just about an even split which could mean Lewis eventually starts to get more than White. Keep in mind, the Pats RB situation isn't always easy to predict, but Lewis sure looks like he's worth hanging on to at least in PPR leagues.
49ers news
