Assessing Patriots In House Options To Replace Dion Lewis

After reports that starting running back Dion Lewis is now lost for the season with a torn ACL, the New England Patriots will now be forced to find a way to replace Lewis' production. 

Currently, the Patriots have three other running backs on the roster. Here's a look at each and how they could help to fill the void created by Lewis' absence:

LaGarrette Blount- The bruising back has been the team's best option in legitimate running situations and has provided a strong compliment to Lewis' "do it all" style. In seven games this season, Blount has rushed for 447 yards and five touchdowns on 98 carries, including a 129 yard performance on a career-high 29 rushes in yesterday's 27-10 win over the Washington Redskins. He'll likely continue to play a big role in the team's rushing attack as they look for a replacement, though he doesn't provide the passing threat that Lewis brought to the table. Through five and a half seasons, the 28-year-old has caught just 36 passes for 283 yards, including only three receptions for 27 yards this year.

Brandon Bolden- A core special teamer since he entered the league in 2012, Bolden has not had a great deal of reps at the running back position, though he seems to be someone the coaching staff trusts in fill in duty. Over four years, the 25-year-old has carried the ball just 146 times for 648 yards, which averages out to about 4.4 yards per carry. He's also made only 30 catches for 212 yards through his career. He did, however, play well yesterday, when he came in for Lewis. He ran the ball once for 12 yards and made three catches for 27 yards, including one for a touchdown. Going off of initial gut reaction, he may be the guy called on first to try and play Lewis' role this week against the Giants.

James White- The second year back had a chance to win the starting passing back job during camp, but was ousted by Lewis. White has been a healthy scratch twice this year and in six games has been less than stellar, running for 15 yards on seven carries and making seven catches for 52 yards. He spent most of his rookie season, last year, watching from the sideline and has not been as exciting as fans hoped, when he's been on the field. He'll most likely get a shot to fill the passing back role or at least split time with Bolden.

For now, those are the three options New England has, as they prepare for life after Lewis. The Patriots could also scan the waiver wire for potential replacements as well. Another option would be for the team to take another look at Travaris Cadet, whom they brought in this off season to challenge for the passing back job. Cadet suffered hamstring injuries in the preseason and fell on the depth chart. Though he did make the initial 53-man roster, he played in just one game before the team cut him to add depth at other positions.