New England Patriots Rumors: Dion Lewis May Have Suffered Season-Ending ACL Tear, Report Indicates

The New England Patriots are hoping for the best for running back Dion Lewis, but rumors indicate that the injury he suffered in Sunday’s win over the Washington Redskins may be very serious.

Lewis went down in the third quarter of the game, hurting his left knee when making a cut. He was taken off the field and didn’t return, but the Patriots are reportedly hoping that it’s just an MCL sprain, which would not be a long-term injury.

But reports from NESN a few hours after the game indicated that it may actually be an ACL tear, which would be season ending for Lewis.

Lewis has four touchdowns this year, two each on the ground and in the air. He is averaging 4.8 yards per carry this year, and also has 36 catches for 388 yards.

But beyond his production on the field, Lewis is an important part of the New England Patriots’ offense, keeping pressure off Tom Brady and offering a strong short-field target. He has the most touches of the team so far this year, proving to be the kind of all-purpose running back that coach Bill Belichick loves so much.

Did Dion Lewis and the Patriots dodge a bullet with his knee injury? https://t.co/BmhUh0tCFL pic.twitter.com/zhSAdzyMhN

— NESN (@NESN) November 8, 2015

Belichick was typically tight-lipped, having little to say about Lewis’s injury after the game, noting that “the game is just over.”

But there was plenty of worry in the locker room of what it would mean if the injury to Dion Lewis was serious.

“It’s such a physical game and it’s tough to lose such a special player,” Tom Brady said (via WEEI). “I hope he’s OK. I don’t know exactly what it is, but we’re all hoping for the best.”

Others noted Lewis’s importance to the team.

“It’s terrible to see anyone go down, especially Dion,” added Julian Edelman. “We don’t know necessarily what it is. Dion has been having a great year. He’s a great asset to the team.”

“It’s awful. I mean, he’s one of your brothers,” Edelman added. “All you can do is send good vibes his way, and hope everything will be all right.”

The New England Patriots came out of the win fairly banged up. In addition to the injury to Dion Lewis, the team also lost left tackle Sebastian Vollmer, who suffered a head injury. Vollmer had been filling in for Nate Solder, and the Patriots are now strained when it comes to offensive line depth.

Though the Patriots are undefeated at 8-0, the injury could be costly as the team is still in a tight race for home field advantage throughout the playoffs. This is a top-heavy year in the AFC, with the Cincinnati Bengals also undefeated at 8-0 and the Denver Broncos just getting their first loss this week to stand at 7-1.

While in other seasons the team could count on having home field locked up and meaningless games to end the year, this year they could be playing through full strength to Week 17. Losing Dion Lewis for that time could be costly, especially given his versatility in the team’s offense.

Despite the team’s optimism regarding Dion Lewis, the rumors surrounding the New England Patriots don’t look good. After initial reports that it may be a less-serious MCL tear, Adam Schefter reported that it may actually be his ACL.

Patriots RB Dion Lewis scheduled to undergo MRI on his knee. No swelling yet, a good sign. ACL loose, a bad sign. MRI to tell full story.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 8, 2015

If true, that would mean the end of the season for Dion Lewis and a costly blow for the New England Patriots.

The New England Patriots and their fans will have to hold their breath for at least a little longer. Dion Lewis is set to get an MRI on Monday, so the full extent of his injury will be known then.

[Picture by Jim Rogash/Getty Images]