Source: Patriots RB Dion Lewis out 8-10 weeks after 'relatively minor' procedure

Running back Dion Lewis will be sidelined for another 8-10 weeks after he endures a second surgery on his left knee, according to a source. The ACL, which was repaired in November, is OK, but the Patriots’ medical staff determined they need to clean up an unspecified area in the knee.

The procedure is viewed as “relatively minor,” and Lewis has a good chance of playing in 2016, according to the source.

Assuming Lewis remains on the PUP list during the regular season, he can begin practicing at any point between Oct. 18 and Nov. 22. Once Lewis starts practicing, the Patriots will have 21 days to either promote him to the active roster or shut him down for the remainder of the season. The Pats could technically drag out that decision until Dec. 13.

Related players: James White, LeGarrette Blount

It's good to hear that his ACL is "OK." Eight weeks would put Lewis back on Oct. 16, so he could conceivably return for Week 7 at Pittsburgh. The Patriots have a Week 9 bye, so the team could elect to give him an extra few weeks of recovery to return in Week 10 vs. Seattle. For now, we'll assume he misses the first eight games. James White should produce RB2 numbers in PPR and LeGarrette Blount should provide fantasy starter numbers when the Patriots don't face an elite run defense. The Patriots could add a running back as camp cuts continue. Lewis is worth consideration as a late-round pick, especially in leagues with deep benches and/or an injured reserve slot.