ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Patriots promoted a running back yesterday, but not the apple of everyone’s eye.
Tyler Gaffney was activated from the practice squad to fill out the 53-man roster, while Dion Lewis’ 2016 debut will remain on hold. That’s hardly a surprise, though, as the Patriots never realistically expected Lewis to be ready after just two practices.
Lewis, who began practicing Thursday, still needs to rebuild strength around his twice-repaired knee, particularly in his quadriceps to minimize the chance of another injury. Lewis tore his ACL last November and had another surgery this summer to repair a fractured patella, according to a source.