Sony Michel

Sony Michel rushed nine times for 117 yards and caught two passes for 23 yards in the Patriots' Week 3 win over the Raiders.

Fantasy Impact

Yes, you're reading that correctly. Michel did in fact catch his first two passes of the year. This was the third straight game in which he was held to 10 carries or less, however. The only difference today was that the third-year back out of Georgia actually looked explosive, ripping off a 48-yard scamper that was the longest of his career. Rex Burkhead and J.J. Taylor were plenty involved as well, which makes Michel a risky low-end FLEX in Week 4 against the Chiefs.

Sony Michel rushed seven times for 19 yards in the Patriots' Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Fantasy Impact

Yikes. Michel took a backseat to the Cam Newton Show in this one as the Patriots quickly abandoned the running game. Newton wound up throwing it 44 times. Michel has just 17 touches through two weeks of the season, which renders him an RB4 ahead of a Week 3 tilt with the Raiders.

Sony Michel rushed 10 times for 37 yards and a touchdown in the Patriots' 21-11 Week 1 win over the Dolphins.

Fantasy Impact

As usual he didn't receive a target. The touchdown saved his fantasy day but it was notable that Michel was New England's primary ball carrier between the tackles. James White, Rex Burkhead, and even J.J. Taylor mixed in as well, however. Michel will once again be a low-end FLEX play in Week 2 against the Seahawks.

Mike Reiss of ESPN writes that he expects the Patriots to ease Sony Michel (foot) into the mix once the regular season begins.

Fantasy Impact

"I would just say I am feeling a day better. Every day is a work in progress. Every day is a day to get better for me," Michel said about his status. "Beginning of the season, you're never going to feel like you're at the best shape. So for me, I am just going to keep trying to build from there." The Patriots' running back corps is as up in the air as ever entering Week 1. Damien Harris (hand) is on IR, Lamar Miller was cut, and Michel (foot) just returned to practicing. James White and Rex Burkhead will likely earn some run against the Dolphins on Sunday, but Michel still figures to be New England's preferred goal-line back.

RBs Sony Michel and Damien Harris are sharing first-team reps, per Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald.

Fantasy Impact

Harris reportedly was dominating first-team reps in Wednesday's practice. There could be a competition brewing for the Patriots' lead back. Michel returned to practice Wednesday and was removed from the PUP list. "Michel was a full participant during individual and team drills," Guregian added. "He pretty much traded reps with Damien Harris, the second-year back who has starred in his absence. During a lighter-speed non-padded practice in shorts and shells, the former first-round pick looked good in his return. Michel, who had offseason foot surgery, showed some burst after hitting the holes, and moved well catching the ball out of the backfield." It's possible the Patriots could rotate both backs in early-down situations while James White handles third-down snaps. New England could be a full blown committee by Week 1. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor the situation until a starting running back is eventually named.