Patriots RB Dion Lewis needs second knee surgery, out indefinitely

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis, who tore his left ACL on Nov. 8, will undergo "cleanup" knee surgery that will sideline him indefinitely, league sources confirmed to ESPN.

One source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, there's "definitely a chance to return this year."

The Boston Globe first reported Lewis' second surgery.

Lewis had participated in the Patriots' final spring practice in June and said at the time, "At the beginning it was a little scary, but every day I get stronger. I feel better every day, but still have a long way to go."

Asked at the time if he considered it a milestone to return to the field, Lewis said, "The trainers wouldn't have put me out there if they didn't think I was ready. I wouldn't have went out there if I didn't think I was ready. ... I wouldn't consider this a milestone. I wouldn't consider it a checkpoint. I consider it another day working hard and trying to get better and stronger."

Lewis did not wear a brace on his left knee in the June practice. When training camp began July 28, he was placed on the active/physically unable to perform list.

The 5-foot-8, 195-pound Lewis played in seven games last season for the Patriots, with six starts. He provided a spark to the offense in totaling 234 yards on 49 carries (4.8 avg.) and two touchdowns, while adding 36 receptions for 388 yards and two touchdowns.

Third-year player James White elevates to the top of the team's "passing back" depth chart in Lewis' absence.

In addition, the Globe also reported that starting right tackle Sebastian Vollmer is "likely headed" to injured reserve with an undisclosed injury, and second-year right guard Shaq Mason has a broken hand; the timetable for his return is not known.