FOXBOROUGH, Mass. _ A year ago, Sony Michel missed the bulk of training camp and every preseason game before making his NFL debut. It made for a difficult transition for the Patriots' 2018 first-round pick.
Michel started off, with limited reps, before taking off in Week 4. In his rookie season, he led the Patriots with 931 yards and six touchdowns. In the playoffs, he was even better, rushing for 336 yards and scoring six touchdowns in three games.
On Saturday, Michel came off the physically unable to perform list and was a limited practice participant. This came after the running back missed OTAs, minicamp and the first two days of training camp after a knee scope set him back this offseason.
"I'm out here practicing. Ready to go," said Michel, who maintains his knee feels 'good. "I'm learning, trying to get better. That's what it's all about."
For Michel, getting a chance to participate in training camp is huge. Last year, the rookie didn't get a lot of reps with quarterback Tom Brady in August. That made it difficult for him to get on the same page with the quarterback in the passing game. Michel finished with seven catches for 50 yards.
On Saturday, Michel was involved in a Brady side session. Those reps could go a long way to making Michel versatile in the Patriots offense.
"From all aspects of the game, not being in training camp (hurt)," Michel said. "Training camp plays a big part of development going into the season. I'm thankful to be in this training camp and I'm just excited to take it day-by-day, really."
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