The New England Patriots recently saw a league-most eight players opt-out in the offseason due to the coronavirus pandemic. They are finally getting a man back to fill in their depleted roster. Third-year running back Sony Michel successfully underwent foot surgery in May and has now been removed from the team's PUP list.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport disclosed the return of Michel on Twitter:
#Patriots RB Sony Michel, who underwent foot surgery in the offseason and has been on the PUP list, was at practice today and is officially off the PUP list. A positive development for the starter.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 26, 2020
The former Georgia Bulldog had an impressive rookie campaign back in 2018 where he also won the Super Bowl LIII as a member of the Patriots. Lingering injuries continued to haunt him which caused a handful of missed games dating back to his college days.
Despite being given a much larger role in the Patriots offense last season, Michel's numbers relatively dipped. He finished with 912 rushing yards and seven touchdowns along with 12 receptions last season. He led the team with 247 rushing attempts last season while James White followed with 67 of his own.
Michel's role in the upcoming season has yet to be clearly defined as sophomore Damien Harris continues to impress and saw heavy first-team reps in lieu of his absence. The aforementioned White, eight-year veteran Rex Burkhead, and undrafted rookie J.J. Taylor are also in the mix of things as well.
With a new quarterback in town, Michel will have to work double-time and earn back his starting spot from his fellow ball-carriers. Despite the situation, his return to the practice field will be a good sign for the undermanned Patriots heading into the upcoming season.
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