Patriots' Dion Lewis out vs. Jets because of abdominal injury

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis will not play Sunday because of an abdominal injury that has worsened since last week.

Lewis played through the injury in last Sunday's victory over the Colts and was limited in practice throughout this week.

His absence was described as precautionary, according to a source.

He was questionable on the team's official injury report.

With Lewis out, second-year player James Whitewill be pushed into the team's top "passing back" role Sunday against the visiting New York Jets. The Patriots also have LeGarrette Blount as their top power back.

A fourth-round draft choice out of Wisconsin last year, the 5-foot-10, 205-pound White was beaten out by Lewis for the top passing back spot on the depth chart in training camp in a three-way competition that also included Travaris Cadet. White has appeared in six career NFL games, with 11 total carries.

In the preseason, White registered 27 carries for 71 yards and one touchdown, as well as seven receptions for 93 yards.

ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter contributed to this report.