Pats Beat: No need to rush RB Dion Lewis

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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