New England Patriots running back Sony Michel may not be physically ready for Week 1 of the 2020 NFL season, according to The Athletic’s Jeff Howe. That will likely put his starting job in jeopardy for the foreseeable future.
Michel underwent a foot surgery this offseason, and started training camp on the physically unable to perform list. While Michel has started every training camp on the PUP list, he has gotten healthy in time to contribute each season. This year, it may be more complicated, with the Patriots drafting Damien Harris in the third-round of the 2019 draft and the team reportedly signing Lamar Miller in free agency this week.
From Howe:
“Nearly a month before the Patriots’ season opener against the Dolphins, it’s still no sure thing Michel will be ready in time, according to a source. There’s such an uncertain nature in the recovery from any foot surgery that it can be a challenge to predict a defined timeline. But right now, Michel is not on the doorstep.”
Michel’s yards per carry fell from 4.5 yards per carry in 2018 to 3.7 yards in 2019, and it was a testament to a lack of explosiveness from the former first-round pick. He was powerful and found good running room in 2018 while excelling in a highly-functional Patriots offense, which finished its season with a Super Bowl win. Last year, the offense fell apart, and surely, Michel’s lack of efficiency was both a product of and a contributing factor for New England’s issues.
With uncertainty surrounding his health and poor efficiency in 2019, the team is exploring a new option by signing Miller, a 29 year old who has experience serving as a lead back.
