The backfield for the New England Patriots has been bitten by the injury bug to start the 2018 NFL season. Fortunately, it appears running back Sony Michel may be on track to return in Week 2.
Michel has been nursing a knee injury he suffered in August. According to Doug Kyed of NESN, head coach Bill Belichick is optimistic about his progress.
“He’s better every day,” Belichick said. “He missed a lot of plays in training camp, in the training camp practices. He’s gotten more of a chance to be involved in those more recently. Each time he runs one, he sees something a little different or reacts a little bit quicker or whatever it is and just gains more confidence by doing something double-digit times instead of just a couple times. He’s reacting quicker and being more decisive.”
Despite the loss of running back Dion Lewis, the Patriots brought in a bevy of talent to their backfield this offseason. It got even more crowded when they invested their first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft on Michel.
However, their fortunes have quickly changed after their recent slew of injuries. Running back Jeremy Hill has been declared out for the year with a torn ACL while running back Rex Burkhead is still trying to come back from a concussion. If he is unable to go against the Jaguars in Week 2, then Michel could be poised for a workhorse role this Sunday.
Burkhead carried the load for New England in Week 1. However, his limited participation in practice this week leaves his status up in the air. Fortunately, it appears Michel could be ready to make his NFL debut. Although the Patriots drafted him to be their primary back, they will likely try their best to rely on a committee early on.
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