New England Patriots running back Sony Michel is being given a light load in the team's training camp with “long-term preservation” in mind for the developing back.

Via Jeff Howe in The Athletic:

The Patriots are really taking it easy on Sony Michel’s knee. Long-term preservation is obviously the priority, but it’d be nice to see Michel get a chance to refine his route-running techniques in order to become an every-down threat.

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The Patriots selected Michel, 24, out of Georgia with the 31st pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. New England intends to preserve Michel as best as it can given the wear and tear running backs often accumulate in their burdened careers.
Michel, a 5-foot-11 back at 215 pounds, appeared in 13 games in his rookie season with the Patriots, recording 931 rushing yards, six touchdowns, and 4.5 yards per carry.
The former Bulldog fractured his shoulder blade in college and injured his knee in last year's training camp, sidelining him through the preseason and forestalling his NFL debut until Week 2 against the Houston Texans. Michel went on to perform well for the Patriots in the postseason, culminating in the club's Super Bowl victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Across the team's three playoff games, Michel rushed for 336 yards and scored six touchdowns, including the Patriots' lone TD in the Super Bowl.