Sony Michel's absence from the New England Patriots' offseason program was suspicious. It wasn't reported until after minicamp had wrapped that Michel had recently undergone a knee scope and was busy resting and rehabbing.
That time off has done the second-year running back some good.
Michel is "progressing quickly" from his offseason arthroscopic knee surgery and has been running at "full tilt," multiples sources told NFL Network's Mike Giardi. The running back is reportedly receiving treatment at the TB12 Sports Therapy Center in Foxborough, spending "considerable time" there.
While not paramount to New England's success going forward, Michel's health will be something to monitor ahead of the 2019 season.
The 2018 first-round pick established himself in a crowded RB room as New England's go-to back during the Patriots' postseason run. Michel racked up 336 rushing yards and an NFL-record six touchdowns during New England's march to victory in Super Bowl LIII. He finished the regular season with as many scores and 931 rushing yards on 209 carries (4.45 YPC).
His status on the 2019 Patriots is unclear. New England is returning a packed backfield with Michel, James White, Rex Burkhead and James Develin. Michel's playing time could be threatened especially by the addition of Alabama tailback Damien Harris, who reportedly had a strong spring while Michel was out.
What is clear is that Michel will be healthy enough to contend for his spot atop New England's depth chart when training camp commences in late July.
