The New England Patriots are dealing with an injury to Dion Lewis and with him out for the season, players like LeGarrette Blount, James White and Brandon Bolden will have the chance to step up for Tom Brady. Blount is the likely starter, while players like Bolden and White could be solid fantasy football pickup options for owners to replace Lewis with.
The Patriots remain undefeated after winning over the Washington Redskins on Sunday, but losing Lewis is tough to swallow for the offense. Lewis was signed ahead of the season after being cut by the Browns and he has been one of the surprise players in the league. Lewis just signed a two year deal with the team and was leading the Patriots in touches on offense when he went down. According to ESPN.com, Lewis suffered a torn ACL and is out for the season for the Pats.
The Patriots initially hoped that the ACL was not torn, but an MRI revealed that the injury was a serious one. Lewis has been productive all season for the Patriots and he had over 500 total yards through seven games and he was a threat out of the backfield, making 36 receptions for 388 yards. Lewis and his quickness were being used as a major weapon by the Patriots and now the team will have to find a way to make up his production. Blount likely will be the lead back with Lewis out, but with the way the Pats do things, Bolden and White also could get in the mix.
The Patriots previously worked out Montee Ball this season and according to Pro Football Talk, the team also brought in former Rams running back Daryl Richardson for a workout. Blount comes into Week 10 after having his best game of the season with 29 carries for 129 yards and a touchdown and that is promising for the Pats moving into their next game against the Giants without Lewis. Blount has 447 rushing yards this season and over his last two games he has had over 200 yards rushing and now will get the chance to carry the ball even more.
The Patriots may end up adding a free agent down the line, but for this week fantasy owners should look at Blount, White and Bolden as options. According to ESPN Boston, White is the likely "top candidate" to take over the role Lewis had for the Patriots and he could get work on third downs and as a receiver out of the backfield. This season White has just 14 touches for 67 total yards, but now he will get more work with Lewis out.
ESPN Boston also writes that Bolden "could factor into the mix" for the Patriots with Lewis out, as he has upside with his speed and size. Bolden is more of a special teams player, but the Patriots often try to mix things up at running back and he could get the chance to perform. This season Bolden has seven rushes for 14 yards and five receptions for 41 yards.
Check here for more on the Patriots, the injury to Lewis and more on fantasy options.