SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Kick returner Michael Lewis has been lost to the New Orleans Saints for the season because of torn ligaments in his right knee.
Coach Jim Haslett said on the Saints' Web site that Lewis will undergo season-ending surgery, likely in a week when swelling subsides. Lewis has been placed on the injured reserve list.
"It is a shame it happened to him," Haslett said. "We have guys who can pick up the slack and we won't miss a beat, but it is a shame. I feel sorry for Michael."
This season, Lewis, 33, had eight kickoff returns for a 17.1-yard average and added four punt returns for a 2-yard average. He was injured in the fourth quarter of Monday night's loss to the New York Giants.
He is the Saints' all-time leader in punt returns and punt return yards and made the Pro Bowl in 2002.
