The Patriots for years have gone with the approach that their running backs are interchangeable in Tom Brady’s offense. That way of doing things will be put to the test, again, as elusive Dion Lewis on Monday was placed on season-ending injured reserve with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
Lewis, a 25-year old product of Albany, came to the Patriots this season after stays with the Eagles, Browns and Colts and injected life into the New England running game. He so impressed Bill Belichick that Lewis was signed to a two-year contract extension in October.