Jeff Howe of the Athletic reports that Patriots first-round RB Sony Michel‘s knee injury will require a surgical procedure and he’s expected to miss the preseason and possibly the start of the regular season.
- According to Howe, the Patriots still expect Michel to contribute this season, despite the knee surgery.
- Adam Schefter and Mike Reiss add that Michel underwent a procedure to drain his knee that will sideline him at least 10 days. Reiss says that sources close to the situation don’t seem too concerned regarding his availability for the regular season.
- Meanwhile, Ian Rapoport reports that Michel will be fine by the start of the regular season, at the very latest.
Michel had missed the past few days of practice and while the belief was that this was just a minor issue, it appears as though it’s bad enough to cost him a month or so.
This news should help either Jeremy Hill or Mike Gillislee‘s odds of making the 53-man roster coming out of the preseason. As of now, Hill appears to be in the best position to secure a spot, but there’s still a ways to go.
Michel, 23, was taken with the No. 31 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft by the Patriots. According to OverTheCap.com, he receives a four-year, $9,626,694 contract that includes a $5,081,232 signing bonus.
The contract includes a fifth-year option for the Patriots to pick up in 2021.
During his four-year college career at Georgia, Michel recorded 590 rushing attempts for 3,613 yards (6.1 YPC) and 33 touchdowns to go along with 64 receptions, 621 yards receiving (9.7 YPC) and six touchdowns.
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