New England Patriots, Sony Michel dodge bullet: 3 short-term RB options
The New England Patriots received some good news Monday in regard to rookie running back Sony Michel and the injured knee he suffered in Sunday’s 38-31 victory.
The New England Patriots not only escaped Chicago with a 38-31 victory over the Bears, they also avoided a serious injury to rookie running back Sony Michel.
It certainly looked like a season-ending injury the way Michel was twisted up on a running play that resulted in a turnover, but according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport Monday, the promising running back avoided series injury to the knee.
Good news for the Patriots as an MRI revealed an MCL sprain, which should only sideline him for a few weeks.
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Although Michel and the team avoided the worst-case scenario, the injury couldn’t have come at a worst time. The 31st pick overall in the 2018 NFL Draft was beginning to come on strong in the New England Patriots offense.
In 95 carries since making his NFL debut in Week 3, Sonny Michel has rushed for 422 yards and four touchdowns. He appeared well on his way to another 100-yard rushing game before the injury.
As usual, the Patriots were able to find players to step up in his absence, notably, veteran running back James White.
"“When guys like him go down, guys like myself and Kenjon [Barner] just have to step in and fill the void and make the most of the opportunities we get,” White said, via ESPN. “We both run hard and try to get open in pass routes, and just try to find a way to make plays.”"
White made most of his plays in the passing game but made some big runs towards the end of the game to run some clock. Kenjon Barner also had a couple big gains, but the team will need a body short term to add some depth to the running back position.