After being held out of offseason practices following arthroscopic knee surgery this spring, Patriots running back Sony Michel is aiming to be ready to go for the start of training camp in two weeks.

“It's a process and it's just something that I'm just kind of working towards,” Michel told Omar Ruiz of the NFL Network Tuesday evening. “That's the goal to be ready for training camp.”

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Michel did not take part in the team’s mandatory minicamp in June after having the procedure on his knee. Michel was reportedly already back to running full speed in mid-June. With an extra month to rehab before the start of camp, it appeared as though Michel would have the time needed to be ready to go when camp begins for New England on July 24.

Michel appeared in 13 games with eight starts during his rookie season. He rushed for 931 yards with six touchdowns in the regular season and 71 times for 336 yards with six touchdowns in the playoffs as he took hold of the No. 1 spot in a crowded backfield.

His place on the 2019 Patriots might be a little less clear, though. New England is returning a backfield with Michel, James White, Rex Burkhead and James Develin, his playing time could be most threatened by the addition of former Alabama back Damien Harris, who reportedly had a strong spring while Michel was out.

Either way, Michel is ready to get back out there.

“Build on what I've done,” Michel said for his 2019 goal. “I think that's what it's all about. Just building on top and just trying to improve.”