The New England Patriots can plug a few major holes on their depth chart, pending the return a few of their injured players. Their projected starting running back, left tackle and safety are returning from injuries suffered last season or surgeries which took place this offseason.
Here’s a look at the injured players with the latest information on their statuses for training camp.
Sony Michel, RB
Michel is dealing with a knee issue, which required arthroscopic knee surgery during the 2019 offseason, per NFL Network’s Mike Giardi. However, the Patriots running back has been running full tilt, and spending a great deal of time at The TB12 Center, where he’s working with the staff of Alex Guerrero, who is Tom Brady’s body coach and business partner.
Michel’s knee led him to be limited for most of training camp last year, which seemed to play a major factor in his inability to contribute in the passing game. His health will be paramount as he attempts to build a rapport with Brady in these all-important sessions.
Michel had a strong finish to the 2018 season, with the only touchdown in Super Bowl LIII. His health will determine whether he starts 2019 on an equally strong note.
Demaryius Thomas, WR
He suffered an Achilles injury in Week 16 last season after playing the first 15 games. He spent eight on the Denver Broncos before joining the Houston Texans in trade at the midseason deadline. The injury seemed to diminish the interest around Thomas during free agency, but he landed a prove-it deal with the Patriots.
He has had mixed success in systems like the Patriots offense. When Josh McDaniels, current Patriots offensive coordinator, was the head coach for the Denver Broncos, he and Thomas worked well together. However, Thomas’ stint in Houston, where the offense is similar to the one in New England, was relatively unsuccessful.
Just like Michel, Thomas will need to get on the field to develop a rapport with Brady and get comfortable in the Patriots offense.
Isaiah Wynn, tackle
He missed all of his rookie season in 2018 after he suffered an Achilles injury in his preseason debut.
Still, the Patriots are counting on him. Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia told Patriots Wire that he is “penciling in” Wynn as the starter at left tackle. Wynn’s participation will be worth monitoring as he attempts to live up to his draft status as a 2018 first-round pick.
Yodny Cajuste, tackle
When the Patriots selected him in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, he was dealing an injury. He didn’t participate fully in minicamp, either. Cajuste (quadriceps) had not been cleared to participate in 11-on-11 drills, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss. Cajuste was given a timetable of a three-month recovery after surgery in March, which should allow him to be ready when training camp begins.
Patrick Chung, safety
He needed surgery on his forearm and shoulder this offseason, according to The Athletic’s Jeff Howe. He was spotted on the field during organized team activities, but skipped a handful of spring practices, likely due to the injury recovery process. He will be ready to go for the first day of training camp, a source told Patriots Wire on Tuesday. That said, New England tends to take a conservative approach. They may ease Chung into action.
Nate Ebner, safety
He was dealing with in undisclosed injury this spring. He made a brief appearance at practice in street clothes. His timetable is unclear.
Deatrich Wise, DE
Earlier this offseason, Wise was in a walking boot, according to ESPN. However, Wise should be 100 percent and ready to go for training camp, a source told Patriots Wire on Tuesday. Even so, the Patriots may ease Wise into action, similar to Chung.
He will be in competition to start across from Michael Bennett at defensive end. The Patriots should have no shortage of available snaps, with both Trey Flowers and Adrian Clayborn departing this offseason.
