New England Patriots activate RB Dion Lewis from PUP list

The New England Patriots added another piece to an already dynamic offense by activating running back Dion Lewis from the physically unable to perform list on Saturday.

Lewis, who finished last season on injured reserve after suffering a torn ACL on Nov. 8 against the Washington Redskins, was placed on the PUP list after a setback that required another knee surgery in training camp.

Lewis ran for 234 yards on 49 attempts last season and had his biggest impact in the passing game as a third-down back, catching 36 passes for 388 yards and a pair of scores. Lewis will have to fight for that role from James White, who amassed 107 rushing yards and 258 passing yards through the first eight weeks this season.

"I think James White is a good player," Patriots coach Bill Belichick told reporters on Friday. "What he does is good. Could somebody do it better? I don't know. But it would take quite a bit, I would say, based on where he is and how consistent he's been with what he's done. It would take somebody playing pretty good to be better than him."

The Patriots also signed tight end Kennard Backman and running back Tyler Gaffney to the practice squad while releasing tight end Austin Traylor from the practice squad.