The New England Patriots now find themselves in search of a new receiver and runner with Dion Lewis falling to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Lewis has been placed on the injured reserve list but is likely done for this season.
Now, the Pats will need to dig deep and look for someone to fill the gap to be left by Lewis, someone who has worked efficiently with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. He was the guy before tragedy struck in the Pats game against the Washington Redskins.
There are a couple of names mentioned likely to step up in place of the 25-year-old receiver and runner. One is Brandon Bolden who showed his prowess at last Sunday's match.
Other possible replacements include James White, a fourth-round pick, although he hasn't been seeing much action. LeGarrette Blount is another guy who could step up, someone considered to be a workhorse for New England.
Of course, the Pats could look at the free agent market as well to fill up the slack. There are some players out there who could fill up the void left by Lewis.
Travaris Cadet could be given a try, someone sensible since he was at training camp. If the Pats can stand the heat, Ray Rice could be a gamble as well. With Belichick having close ties with Rutgers coach Greg Schiano, Rice could be a big help.
Lewis is a big loss for the Pats who are still undefeated as of report writing. So it remains to be seen if a new face will take up the vacancy unless the team chooses to step up in his absence and make do with the resources they have.
There will be a glaring hole for New England but Belichick needs to figure out how to address, either get a new player or make do with the ones already on the roster.
