Sony Michel has minor knee scope; shouldn’t miss training camp
Patriots starting running back Sony Michel had a minor operation to clean out his knee, but he should be ready for training camp at the end of July.
There’s good news and bad news when it comes to Patriots tailback Sony Michel and the reason he was absent from the team’s mandatory minicamp and voluntary OTAs.
First, the bad: news broke on Wednesday that Michel’s absence can be explained by a minor knee scope that he had performed. Though the surgery isn’t considered serious, it’s important to note that Michel does have a history of lower leg injuries dating back to his time at Georgia. In other words, it’s not exactly encouraging to hear that he’s still dealing with physical problems in the same area.
The good news, however, is that Michel is expected to make a fast and complete recovery. The expectation is that he will be ready to go by the time the Patriots’ training camp rolls around at the end of next month.
In his absence, third-round draft pick Damien Harris from Alabama saw increased opportunities to work with the starting offensive unit in drills during minicamp and OTAs. Michel is still the heavy favorite to assume the majority of snaps in his second season as starter – especially after he averaged 4.5 yards per carry and rushed for nearly 1,000 yards as a rookie – but it will be interesting nonetheless to monitor how the knee procedure affects his performance moving forward.
Next. Just call Dont'a Hightower "Mr. February," says Kyle Van Noy. dark
New England has a particularly deep backfield this year. Aside from Michel and Harris, fellow running backs Rex Burkhead, James White, and Brandon Bolden are also considered to be virtual locks for roster spots come September. Just how exactly Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels plans to employ each of them this season is one of the biggest storylines heading into 2019 for New England.