Patriots' Dion Lewis: No reported setbacks

ESPN's Mike Reiss relays that he has been told that Lewis' (knee) continued presence on the Patriots' PUP list isn't a result of any setbacks.

Analysis:

Reiss further notes that the "expectation of those close to Lewis was that the team would take it slow with him because preserving him for the 16-game regular season is the goal." A timetable for the running back's return has yet to be outlined and once he does resume action, it remains to be seen how the Patriots will be inclined to handle his workload. Reiss points out that Lewis "was on the field for 66 percent of the team's offensive snaps before injuries (first abdomen, then knee) altered the course." Given that the 5-foot-8, 195-pounder is coming off an ACL injury, it is fair to speculate that the Patriots might be inclined to scale back Lewis' touches some this season, with keeping him on the field for the long haul in mind.