Dion Lewis 'On Track' To Make Season Debut Against Seahawks

BOSTON (CBS) -- The Patriots appear ready to re-deploy one of Tom Brady's most dynamic weapons. Running back Dion Lewis is "on track to make his season debut" against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football, a source told the Boston Herald's Jeff Howe.

In perhaps a sign of things to come, the Patriots cut running back Tyler Gaffney from the active roster on Thursday, leaving an open spot on the roster for Lewis to be activated from the physically unable to perform list. The Patriots have until 4 p.m. on Saturday to make that transaction.

Lewis underwent a cleanup procedure on his knee in August and was quickly placed on the PUP list. Originally given a 10-week timetable to return, Sunday night will mark about 12 weeks since Lewis' knee surgery. Lewis totaled 622 yards in just seven games during the 2015 season before tearing his ACL in Week 9 against the Washington Redskins.

According to Howe's report, the Patriots "have held out hope since last week" that Lewis will be ready to play against the Seahawks but "needed to show consistent progress." It appears that he has shown enough for the team to activate him in time for Sunday night.