Report: Patriots Top RB’s Scary Injury History Could Start Season On PUP

Patriots running back Sony Michel led the team in rushing in the past two seasons. He sustained a lot of injuries and he even had to undergo surgery this offseason. According to several sources, the Patriots running back may start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform List. If this happens, his fellow running backs will have to step up their performance.

This will be his second straight season for Michel to start a season with this status. Last year, he was one of the six players who started the season on PUP. Demaryius Thomas, special teamer Nate Ebner, defensive end Dietrich Wise, cornerback Ken Webster, and tackle Cole Croston and rookie offensive tackle Yodny Cajuste were the other players.

The Patriots running back to start the season on PUP

Last year, Michel had knee issues. This year, he will have to fix his foot. Adam Levitan of Establish the Run discussed Michel’s injury history.

If Michel can’t play, veteran running back James White will get some of his reps. Second-year-pro Damien Harris will probably get Michel’s role.

Evan Lazar from CLNS reported that Michel will probably be ready for Week 1. However, he doesn’t believe his performance has improved a lot. How will Harris handle this?

“All I worry about every single day is improving as a player and doing whatever this team needs me to do,” he said to Mass Live. “If my name or number ever gets called, I try to be as ready as I can. As far as worrying about ‘Am I going to play or am I not going to play?’ — this, that, those are things I don’t have time to worry about.”

In 2019, running back coach Ivan Fears had great words for Harris.

“(Harris) has done everything we’ve asked him to,” Fears said. “He’s working hard. He really is. He’s healthy, and everything’s going well. We just haven’t had the injuries we normally have at this position. We’ve been very healthy, and it’s kind of hard to carry five backs in the game, and we’ve got some guys that do a lot of work on special teams. Until he develops a role there, then he gets a chance to be part of that game-day roster.”