FOXBORO -- The Patriots led 20-3 when they suffered what appeared to be their most significant loss of the day.
Running back Dion Lewis suffered an apparent left knee injury after catching a screen pass from Tom Brady in the third quarter. During the run after the catch, Lewis grabbed at his knee before hitting the turf and then remained on the ground for several moments while being tended to by Patriots medical staff.
Lewis eventually walked off the field under his own power, but the team soon announced that he would not return for the remainder of the game. Before exiting, Lewis had carried four times for 14 yards and made four catches for 49 yards.
Several hours after the game, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Lewis's ACL was "loose, (which is) a bad sign" but added there was "[no] swelling yet, (which is) a good sign." CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported that after early examinations, the Patriots were hoping the injury was "an MCL sprain and not more severe." Both reporters said Lewis will undergo an MRI on Monday, which should provide a definitive answer.
Coming into Sunday's game, Lewis was the team's most frequently used back despite missing the team's Week 7 game against the Jets. His 278 snaps more than doubled LeGarrette Blount's 120.
Lewis' departure represented the second Patriots starter lost to injury. Patriots starting left tackle Sebastian Vollmer left the game with a head injury in the first half and has since been ruled out by the team. In Vollmer's place, Cameron Fleming shifted to left tackle while Bryan Stork moved to right tackle.