FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots had free-agent running back Kendall Hunter in for a workout, as they continue to explore emergency options in the wake of losing Dion Lewis to a torn ACL on Nov. 8.

Hunter, 27, played for the 49ers from 2011-2013, appearing in 43 regular-season games over that span. He tore his ACL on the second day of 2014 training camp, and missed the entire season.

Former 49ers RB Kendall Hunter joined the list of backs to work out for the Patriots in the wake of the Dion Lewis injury. Brad Mangin/Getty Images

In 2015, Hunter worked his way back with the 49ers and totaled 36 yards on 17 rushing attempts in the preseason before the team placed him on injured reserve at final roster cuts. Two weeks later, the 49ers released him with an injury settlement.

At 5-foot-7 and 197 pounds, Hunter is an undersized option at the position, similar to Lewis.

He has totaled 262 rushing attempts for 1,202 yards (4.6 average) with seven touchdowns in his career and added 27 receptions for 268 yards.

Hunter entered the NFL as a fourth-round draft choice of the 49ers out of Oklahoma State in 2011. He had his rookie season cut short after 12 games due to a torn Achilles tendon.

The Patriots currently have James White as their top "passing back", the role formerly held by Lewis. Brandon Bolden is another option at the position, with LeGarrette Blount the top power back.

Other running backs the Patriots have worked out since Lewis' injury include Pierre Thomas, Robert Turbin and Daryl Richardson.