One of the personnel-related questions looming for the New England Patriots is how the return of running back Dion Lewis, who is on course to be officially activated to the 53-man roster by Saturday at 4 p.m. ET, will affect running back James White's playing time.

White has been the primary "passing back" through the first eight games of the season, and Bill Belichick said Friday morning that it's going to be difficult for anyone to surpass him at this point.

White has played 226 offensive snaps this season (42 percent), and Lewis figures to cut into that number, but how much remains a question.

"I think James White is a good player. What he does is good. Could somebody do it better? I don't know. But it would take quite a bit, I would say, based on where he is and how consistent he's been with what he's done," Belichick said. "It would take somebody playing pretty good to be better than him."

White has totaled 29 catches for 258 yards with three touchdowns, while adding 26 carries for 107 yards (4.1 avg.).

As for Lewis, the expectation is that the Patriots will take a conservative approach with his return to action. He will likely initially be the team's No. 3 option behind LeGarrette Blount (292 snaps, 54 percent) and White, while Brandon Bolden and rookie D.J. Foster providing depth.