Now the question becomes: How much will Lewis play? NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo said, “expect him to be limited” in his return. Not only is Lewis recovering from an injury, but James White has been playing well in his absence.
Many thought Lewis would automatically get his pass-catching role back for New England, but coach Bill Belichick seemed to indicate White would keep his job. Below is a transcript from a portion of his Friday media session:
MORE: Week 10 Fantasy RB rankings
BB: I think James White is good; is a good player. What he does is good. Could somebody do it better? I mean I don’t know. But it would take quite a bit I would say based on where he is and how consistent he’s been with what he’s done. It would take somebody playing pretty good to be better than him.
As many probably remember, Lewis was incredible for New England last season before being placed on injured reserve. In the seven games he played, he averaged nearly 90 yards per game and scored four total touchdowns.
It’s hard to imagine Lewis being disregarded, but there are only so many touches to go around. LeGarrette Blount has secured the majority of the carries since he’s a bigger back, and Belichick’s comments about White make it sound like he’ll retain the pass-catching role.
Expect Lewis to be incorporated, but maybe not as much as last season.
