Patriots Gridiron News: Sony Michel important to team’s success moving forward
New England Patriots suddenly lack depth at the running back position and are relying on the health of rookie Sony Michel more than expected.
Injuries are exactly why no one can predict how an NFL season will go. The New England Patriots, however, has been the one team that can consistently withstand the injury bug and continue to win as predicted.
But when one position becomes as hampered as the running back position, even the mighty Patriots begin to feel it eventually. That’s why the health of rookie running back Sony Michel has suddenly become vital for the team.
On a team led by the great and masterful Tom Brady, the running back position has never really been a main aspect in the team’s offensive system. What it has been is a compliment to the passing attack.
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When team’s tee off on the 41-year-old quarterback, he has to be able to counter with at least the threat of a running game.
Reliable in the passing game -but undersized – James White is not able to carry the load as a featured back. Kenjon Barner has never had that role so that’s why the team turned to wide receiver/kickoff returner Cordarrelle Patterson in Week 8. That tells you have important the running game has become offensively.
It also emphasizes the importance of Sony Michel. Before going down to a knee injury against the Chicago Bears in Week 7, the Georgia product was beginning to emerge as a major threat in the ground attack. With 95 carries, Michel has rushed for 422 yards, 4 touchdowns and a 4.4 average.
That production was certainly missing Monday night and will be moving forward until he is able to get back on the field. The good news is that he has been practicing and with a Bye Week coming up, should be back on the field soon.
The downside to that is the New England Patriots will have to rely on that health moving forward. Rex Burkhead will be eligible to come off the IR but relying on him to stay healthy is also something the team wasn’t anticipating prior to the season.
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Therefore, all the pressure is on Sony Michel to get back on the field and contribute like he was prior to the knee injury. It’s a lot to ask for from a rookie, but in order to make Tom Brady and the passing game more effective, someone has to carry the rock with some success. Patterson is obviously not the answer.
So, unless they pick up the phone and bring Mike Gillislee back into the fold, it looks like the Patriots are forced to lean on Michel sooner than they expected.
Rob Gronkowski absent from practice Thursday
Rob Gronkowski has become the focus of concern heading into Week 9. The All-Pro tight end not only appears frustrated with his lack of production in the red zone this season but is also battling a couple of injuries.
According to the injury report Thursday, Gronkowski was not present at Thursday’s practice due to both back and ankle injuries. Undoubtedly, both of these ailments have played a role in Gronk’s lack of production, but the back issue is becoming a major concern.
The big tight end has already missed the Week 7 matchup against the Chicago Bears due to spasms. He did return on Monday night against the Buffalo Bills but didn’t appear as explosive. With Green Bay coming to town for a Sunday night showdown, it bears watching if Rob Gronkowski will battle through and be available for that game.
Jacob Hollister back at practice
One tight end down, one tight end back in the mix.
With Dwayne Allen as the New England Patriots most consistent tight end as far as injury is concern, second-year tight end Jacob Hollister really needs to step in if Gronkowski is not 100 percent. So far, the undrafted tight end has battled his own injuries.
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The good news is that he did return to practice Thursday after missing time on the field on Wednesday. Also returning to action was Julian Edelman and Deatrich Wise.
Missing from the field besides Rob Gronkowski was G Shaq Mason, LB Nicholas Grigsby and OL Brian Schwenke.