RB Lewis clocks in
Practice reps first steps toward return
PATRIOTS NOTEBOOK
FOXBORO — Patriots running back Dion Lewis made his first significant step toward a return yesterday by debuting at practice.
Lewis had two knee surgeries since tearing his ACL last November, including a setback this summer when he suffered a slight fracture of his patella, according to a source. The Patriots will pace his return, but yesterday’s involvement started the 21-day clock for Lewis to either be activated to the 53-man roster or left on the physically unable to perform list for the remainder of the season. They have to reach that determination by Nov. 17.
Lewis hadn’t practiced in any capacity since an offseason cameo in June, so his conditioning will be important before returning to game action. The Patriots also must monitor the strength of the muscles around his knee, especially his quadriceps, because they don’t want to risk another injury if he plays before he is ready.
The Patriots could conceivably activate Lewis in time for Sunday’s game against the Bills because they have an open spot on their roster, but there’s been no indication of how quickly the Pats want Lewis back on the field. Also, if they were certain Lewis could play Sunday, it would have made more sense for him to practice Wednesday. If they keep him out this weekend, it’d give Lewis an extra two weeks to practice before the Week 10 game against Seattle due to next week’s bye.
Lewis had 49 carries for 234 yards and two touchdowns along with 38 receptions for 388 yards and two scores in seven games in 2015 before tearing his ACL on Nov. 8 against the Redskins.
New Lion-backer
Kyle Van Noy was understandably dumbfounded to find out he was traded this week.
The Lions sent their 2014 second-round pick and a 2017 seventh-rounder to the Patriots for a sixthround pick. So basically, they unloaded Van Noy in order to move up the draft board about a half-round next spring.
“I was shocked,” said Van Noy, who started all seven games this season. “I go from starting there to traded. I was shocked. I respect everybody with the Detroit Lions. They’ll all be my guys there. Just grateful for the opportunity to come here and get it going.”
Van Noy’s career got off to a slow start because of an abdominal injury as a rookie, but he graduated from a reserve linebacker and special teamer to a starter on defense this season. He has experience playing multiple spots, either on the edge or off the line, but he hasn’t exactly thrived in any specific role.
Van Noy wasn’t sure how the Patriots would use him, but considering the trade happened Tuesday and Van Noy has only practiced twice, it’s understandable that he doesn’t have a read on the grand plan.
“Honestly, I just like being out on the field. At the end of the day, to do whatever it takes to win and make plays,” Van Noy said. “I’m just playing catchup at this point. I’m just trying to do whatever my position coach tells me to do. What coach ( Bill) Belichick tells me to do, I’m going to do it.”
Van Noy, who is listed at 6-foot-3 and 243 pounds, said the Lions asked him to lose 15 pounds last offseason. He was viewed as a pass rusher when he was drafted out of BYU but only has one career sack, so his struggles might also be circumstantial considering the Lions’ longstanding lack of success.
“They didn’t know where to put me,” Van Noy said of the Lions. “They want me here, and I’m happy to be wanted.”
The Patriots spent “a lot” of time with Van Noy prior to the 2014 draft, but they took defensive tackle Dominique Easley with the 29th pick, which was 11 selections before Van Noy went to the Lions.
The Pats weren’t up again until they selected quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo at No. 62. “I’m here now and that’s all that matters,” Van Noy said.
In a corner
Cornerback Malcolm Butler was primarily responsible for Bills receiver Marquise Goodwin in Week 4 and held him to a 12-yard catch on four targets when they were matched up. But
Robert Woods is the more well-rounded receiver and beat Logan Ryan six times for 67 yards on nine targets, so it’s worth wondering if the Pats make an alteration for Sunday’s rematch.
“He’s very physical,” Butler said of Woods. “He can run routes. He’s got great effort, a high motor and a great, solid player to me.”