Worrisome Update Emerges On Patriots’ Sony Michel’s Health

The New England Patriots may not be concerned about Sony Michel’s health because they are optimistic about his condition. Michel rehabs from the foot surgery he had this offseason. According to Jeff Howe from The Athletic, Michel may not be able to join his team in Week 1.

“Nearly a month before the Patriots’ season opener against the Dolphins, it’s still no sure thing Michel will be ready in time, according to a source,” Howe wrote. “There’s such an uncertain nature in the recovery from any foot surgery that it can be a challenge to predict a defined timeline. But right now, Michel is not on the doorstep.”

The Patriots placed Michel on the physically/unable to perform list. He will miss part of the team’s training camp. The Patriots won’t have Michel for the first padded practice on August 17. With Michel out, the Patriots will give a chance to 2019 third-round selection Damien Harris and veteran Lamar Miller. Of course, this will happen if Miller passes his physical.

The Pats have an alternative to Sony Michel’s health concerns

Miller is an excellent dual-threat back and his NFL career is impressive. He surpassed 870 rushing yards and 25 receptions in five consecutive seasons. He sat out 2019 due to a torn ACL. The veteran was a first-time Pro Bowler with the Houston Texans in 2018. Miller had 973 rushing yards (4.6 per carry) and five touchdowns to go along with 25 catches for 163 yards and one score in 14 games.

Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears reviewed Harris’ skills and he is impressed. He likes what the Alabama product brings to the game.

“I think you’re going to like what you see,” Fears said of Harris last week. “And I think combining him with the other SEC runner that we have in Sony, you have a hell of a pack there.”

Michel saw action in every game for the team in 2019. He led the Patriots in rushing with 912 yards for the second straight season. Michel’s yards-per-carry average went from 4.5 to 3.7 and he missed some time due to injuries. Michel was at the sidelines last summer and in his rookie campaign.