FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:
1. Running back Dion Lewis is eligible to begin practicing this week after opening the year on the physically unable to perform list, and here is what I’ve been told about his status: He’s made positive progress from a second surgery on his left knee to the point that “it’s possible” he could begin practicing this week. At the same time, given the setback Lewis had with his rehab in the spring (it wasn’t specifically his ACL, but a different part of the knee), the likelihood is that coach Bill Belichick is going to be cautious with him, so it would be no surprise if Lewis isn’t playing in a game until after the early November bye week.