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.
Here are three short-term options that could help the New England Patriots in the running game.
Kenneth Farrow
Not the name that immediately jumps to anyone’s mind, but the New England Patriots could decide to promote practice quad player Kenneth Farrow.
As a player who knows the offensive playbook, Farrow could be the best option to jump in immediately. An undrafted free agent in 2016, the 5-foot-11, 216 pound running back did play 13 games for the Los Angeles Chargers that season.
He not only rushed for 192 yards on 60 carries but had 13 receptions for 70 yards. That could be enough short term to help fill some of the void left by Sonny Michel.
Considering that the team waved preseason standout Ralph Webb off the practice squad and replaced him with Farrow, there must be something the Patriots like to have signed him back to the practice squad.
While Michel is listed as week-to-week with the MCL sprain, promoting Farrow will probably be the best and cheapest option for the team short term.
Andre Ellington
If the team goes the free agency route, there are a few options. One of which is former Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington.
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At 5-foot-9, 200 pounds, Ellington is another running back capable of catching the football out of the backfield. In 2014 with the Cardinals, the Clemson product rushed for 660 yards on 201 carries with 3 touchdowns. He also had 46 receptions for 395 yards that season, making him a dual threat in Arizona’s offense.
His production drifted off the next few seasons with the Cardinals before playing four games with the Houston Texans in 2017. He hasn’t caught on with a team since then, but has worked out for several teams, including the New England Patriots.
Again, his ability to run between the tackles and catch the ball out of the backfield should intrigue the Patriots if they decide to go the free agency route to find a short-term replacement for Sony Michel.
Mike Gillislee
Along with Andre Ellington, there are some free agent options out there like Shane Vereen, Charcandrick West, Orleans Darkwa and Charles Sims. But, one name out there that could be an instant fit is former New England Patriots running back Mike Gillislee.
After being released from the team in favor of Jeremy Hill, Gillislee was signed by the New Orleans Saints, but was cut a few weeks ago. The team did have discussions with Gillislee when Rex Burkhead was placed on IR but decided to go with Kenjon Barner.
Of course, that was before Sony Michel’s injury.
With the size of both Barner and James White, the Patriots need a bigger back. Gillislee definitely fits the mold and would have something to prove if given a second chance with the team.
In just nine games, Mike Gillislee carried the ball 104 times for 383 yards and five touchdowns for the New England Patriots in 2017. Most of that production came in the first part of the year before ball security and injuries buried him on the running back depth chart.
Out of all the options, Gillislee looks like the best option until either Sony Michel or Rex Burkhead are healthy and able to return to the field.