Nov 8, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) is tackled by Washington Redskins defensive back Tanard Jackson (36) during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots running back Dion Lewis returned to practice Thursday after beginning the year on the team’s physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

The Patriots now have a 21-day window in which they must decide to either activate Dion Lewis to the main roster or keep him on the PUP list for the remainder of the regular season.

Dion Lewis (33) is back at practice. pic.twitter.com/d7SnqqK5pw — Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 27, 2016

Lewis tore his ACL last November and had season-ending surgery soon thereafter. In August, however, it was revealed that he would need a second surgery in order to “clean up” some residual damage in his surgically-repaired knee. He began June practice on the team’s PUP list and has remained there since.

If the team does activate him to the main roster, which seems likely if they are ready to put him back on the practice field, it gives Patriots OC Josh McDaniels another tool to use in his already dangerous assortment of offensive weapons. It’s pretty certain that opposing defenses can expect to see more new formations, perhaps even some that a feature both Lewis and James White in the backfield — a veritable coverage nightmare for linebackers.

Though Lewis seems ready to go, guard Tre’ Jackson did not make it onto the practice field today. Head coach Bill Belichick suggested on Tuesday that Jackson could be ready for workouts this week, but it appears that timetable has been pushed back.

In other news from practice, the following players were listed as limited participants: