Patriots gridiron news: Time to resume the Sony Michel hype

The New England Patriots have received good news this week when rookie running back Sony Michel returned to practice following a knee procedure earlier in the summer.

When the New England Patriots selected running back Sony Michel with the No. 31 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft there was both excitement and surprise surrounding the pick.

The excitement surrounding the Georgia product was due to his performance in college and how much he would add to the offense.  A bigger version of Dion Lewis, Michel is both powerful between the tackles and explosive in the open field, especially catching the ball out of the backfield.

The surprise was more based on the team’s need and the players they passed on to select a running back.  There was also concern over Michel’s past medical issues that came to fruition late in training camp when the projected rookie sensation suffered a knee injury and ultimately had to have his knee drained.

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Suddenly, that excitement deflated (no pun intended) like a football on a damp night in New England.  The hype surrounding Sony Michel stalled as questions arose as to when he would even return to the field.

While those questions remain, that same hype is picking up steam again.  Michel finally returned to the practice field on Tuesday and Patriots running back coach Ivan Fears like what he sees from the rookie.

"“I’m very happy with him,” Fears said on Tuesday, as transcribed by WEEI.  “He’s a very hard-working kid.  He’s very conscious of what he has to get done, and he gets after it.  He’s been great.”"

Michel’s maturity above his athleticism has been a main reason for the high expectations surrounding him.  Fears went on to say that Michel has lived up to expectations during his stint on the field prior to getting hurt.  He expects the young running back to continue progressing now that he is back in action.

As far as when fans can see Sony Michel in action?  Depending on how he fairs in practice this week, perhaps he’ll see a few reps on the field when the Patriots play their final preseason game against the New York Giants on Thursday night.

Beyond that, he’ll compete for playing time in a running back group deep, but not without injury concerns.

Jeremy Hill staking his claim on a roster spot

One of the success stories this preseason has been the emergence of running back Jeremy Hill.  Leading the team in rushing yards (107 on 26 carries), the veteran appears to have the inside track on making the roster over Mike Gillislee.

If injuries don’t allow the team to keep both, Hill would come cheaper and at this point seems to be the hungrier running back.

After spending half of the 2017 season on IR, Jeremy Hill views his time with the New England Patriots as a renewed opportunity.

"“I think for me last year being on IR was an eye-opening experience,” Hill told reporters last week.  “You kind of feel on the outside.  The guys are practicing and working and battling and you have no input on that.  So that gave me a different perspective on the game.”"

A perspective that appears to be paying off and could open a hole for a lead back role on a New England Patriots team with a versatile array of running backs.