The New England Patriots have secured their ticket atop the AFC East and have no reason to play their best players (besides fighting for a first-round bye in the playoffs). However, their recent form has compelled Bill Belichick to get as many starters out on the field as possible. That list includes the recently injured Sony Michel.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the second-year running back will be tapped active for the final regular game of the season. Depending on his recovery from his illness, he might get a lot of snaps in the process.
Patriots’ RB Sony Michel, who was added to the injury report Saturday as questionable due to illness, is expected to play today vs. the Dolphins, per league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 29, 2019
There's no reason why the Pats won't use their RB1 as much as they could when he's available. After all, he played a good game during the team's division-clinching win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 16.
Sony Michel ran with authority against a tough Bills defense and Rex Burkhead added some energy and quickness to the equation as well. In all the Patriots finished with 143 yards on the ground and averaged 4.1 yards per carry in doing so. Coming off a 175-yard rushing performance in Cincinnati, the Patriots suddenly have some momentum on the ground to carry into the playoffs. Of course the Dolphins still stand in the way, but since Miami allows 135.4 yards per game on the ground it’s likely that the recent surge continues.
Michel is having great numbers for a running back in a pass-heavy offense. Through 15 games this season, he's notched 838 rushing yards and six receiving touchdowns. He will look to add to those numbers as they face a lackluster Dolphins side that can only hope to contain him.
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