New England Patriots second-year running back Sony Michel has been reportedly demonstrating his prowess as a pass-catching player in the backfield.

Michel, 24, only recorded seven receptions in his rookie season in the NFL with the Patriots last year, but that's a part of the game the RB wants to improve as he develops with New England.

Via Zack Cox in NESN.com:

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After missing the start of training camp with another knee issue, Michel has participated in each of the Patriots’ last eight practices and has become increasingly involved as a pass-catcher.

This hasn’t translated in 11-on-11 drills as of yet — Michel has just two total catches on two targets in full-team settings — but has been evident during the more pass-focused periods. Over the last three practices, including two joint sessions with the Detroit Lions, Michel leads all Patriots players in both receptions (nine) and targets (nine) in 7-on-7s.

“I think it’ll just help me overall,” he replied. “Just as a football player going into the season, being ready physically, mentally. In camp, you get to get those reps, you get to get your conditioning going. Last year, I missed those things, so it was harder for me to get going a little bit. I think this year, it can help a little bit and prepare me from the season.”

Cox also adds that due to offseason departures of key passing targets in tight end Rob Gronkowski (retirement), Chris Hogan (Carolina Panthers), and Cordarrelle Patterson (Chicago Bears), the running back corps is New England's “deepest” position group. Michel developing into a multi-versatile player out of the backfield would tremendously diversify the Patriots' offensive gameplan.