NFL
New England Patriots running back Sony Michel underwent a knee procedure to drain fluid on Wednesday. The team estimates he will be out for at least ten days. Most also expect the Patriots to hold Michel out of the preseason entirely and possibly the beginning of the regular season.
The dynamic back was making his way up the Patriots’ crowded depth chart, which includes veterans like Rex Burkhead, Jeremy Hill, and Mike Gillislee, Super Bowl LI hero James White and other castoffs such as Brandon Bolden and Ralph Webb. This is a blow to Michel’s chances of earning the starting role for Week 1.
The team was hoping that Michel would be able to grab the job in the preseason. This is now in jeopardy as he will miss multiple days of practice and be a step behind the rest of the backs.
Injury History
This is not the first time that Michel has suffered knee injuries. He came into the NFL with that specific risk. The most significant injury was a torn ACL in high school. This can show lingering effects in the knee which could have played a role in the injury Michel suffered earlier in the week.
Michel also suffered a grade 1 knee strain in the SEC championship game but was able to play in the National Championship game. Due to the nature of this injury, it is possible given Michel’s injury history that it lingers into the regular season.
Who Has The Most To Gain
The other Patriots backs that have the most to gain from this are Jeremy Hill and James White. Hill was in danger of not making the roster. Michel’s injury may give him the opportunity to impress the coaching staff and earn a roster spot.
White was never in danger of getting cut, but Michel occupies the same lead back/pass-catching role as White. This put White in a position where he would have been relegated to more of a backup role. White will now have a jump on the starting role to begin the season.
Sony Michel’s Profile
The Pats have high hopes for Michel after being selected with the 31st pick in the draft. Coming out of Georgia Michel was a versatile threat, rushing for 1,227 yards and 16 touchdowns. Michel only caught nine passes during his senior season. But this was on the heels of catching 20+ passes the previous two.
