Pats Beat: No need to rush RB Dion Lewis

Oct 18, 2016

Wednesday could mark the return of Dion Lewis, the dynamic New England Patriots running back who averaged nearly 90 yards from scrimmage in half a season a year ago.

Details on Lewis' recovery from his latest surgery have been scarce. It was reported by CSNNE's Tom Curran that the surgery was not related to knee ligaments. Lewis, of course, had the ACL in his left knee repaired in November of 2015.

We do not definitively know how far along Lewis is in his latest rehab. We also do not know what exactly his latest rehab entails.

What we do know: The Patriots won't want to bring Dion Lewis back unless he is truly Dion Lewis, unless he is capable of making the explosive jump cuts and change-of-direction moves that define his game.

Simplified timeline for Lewis:
The earliest Lewis can return to practice: This week
The latest Lewis can begin practicing: Tuesday, November 22
The earliest Lewis can make his 2016 debut: Week 7 versus Pittsburgh
The latest Lewis can make his 2016 debut: Week 14 versus Baltimore

Related players: James White

Fantasy Impact:

The author went on to say that, right now, the Patriots do not need Lewis. They are 5-1 and alone atop the AFC. James White has done a fine job filling in for Lewis. His 15 touches Sunday against the Bengals marked a career high. Also: Only once in Lewis' seven games a year ago did he top 15 touches in a game.

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Chiefs WR Hollywood Brown's practice window to open "Friday or Monday"

Ian Rapoport

2 hours ago

Chiefs WR Hollywood Brown has received final clearance to practice, paving the way for him to play before the regular season ends.

Brown, who is recovering from surgery to repair his SC joint, should have his window opened Friday or Monday. The team will be cautious.

Fantasy Impact:

If Brown were cleared by Week 17, he would be incredibly tough to start in pretty much any sort of fantasy league with Championships on the line. However, he could be an interesting click for Playoff-only leagues if he can ramp up in time.

Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker misses second straight practice

Adam Schefter

2 hours ago

For a second straight day today, Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III didn’t practice due to his calf injury.

Related Players: Zach Charbonnet, Kenny McIntosh

Fantasy Impact:

Looks like things should be cleared out for Charbonnet once again in what could be a very close game against the Packers. If Walker misses Week 15, fire Charbs up as a high-end RB2.

49ers RB Isaac Guerendo, Nick Bosa, and Dre Greenlaw active for Week 15

Lindsey Pallares

3 hours ago

In Week 15, the red and gold have defensive lineman Nick Bosa and linebacker Dre Greenlaw active and ready for the team's second meeting with their NFC West rival, the Los Angeles Rams.

On the other side of the ball, the 49ers will have rookie running back Isaac Guerendo available against the Rams. He was listed as questionable on Wednesday on account of a foot sprain but was given the green light to play ahead of "Thursday Night Football."

Fantasy Impact:

We do expect Guerendo to handle the majority workload for TNF, but you do have to wonder if he gets the same type of workload he would have, had he avoided the injury report all week. Consider him closer to an RB3 than a locked-in RB2 he otherwise would have been.