Sony Michel

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network is reporting that the Patriots are expected to decline the fifth-year option for RB Sony Michel.

Fantasy Impact

Michel would have been guaranteed $4.523 million if his fifth-year option was exercised. The Patriots currently have Damien Harris, James White, Brandon Bolden, JJ Taylor, and rookie Rhamondre Stevenson on the running back depth chart. The 26-year-old RB logged 79 carries for 449 rushing yards and one touchdown while also hauling in seven receptions for receiving 114 yards and one touchdown across nine games for the Patriots in 2020. Michel has a lengthy injury history and missed six games last season due to a quad issue. With the emergence of RB Damien Harris (5.0 YPC) and plenty of other options to turn to in the backfield, the Patriots could move on from Michel altogether.

Sony Michel rushed 16 times for 76 yards in the Patriots' Week 17 win over the Jets.

Fantasy Impact

Michel also hauled in 3-of-3 targets for 60 yards and a receiving score in this one, which was his best all-around game of the year. The third-year RB lost the starting role to Damien Harris early on, but returned from a midseason injury to receive double digit carries in four of his final five games. Michel isn't someone to get excited about for 2021 fantasy drafts, however.

Patriots RB Sony Michel rushed 10 times for 69 yards in Week 16's loss to the Bills.

Fantasy Impact

Michel looked good early, breaking a 20 yarder on the opening drive for the Patriots, but it was all downhill from there. Michel can be considered no more than a touchdown-dependent dart throw if Damien Harris (ankle) remains sidelined for Week 17 against the Dolphins.

Sony Michel rushed 10 times for 74 yards in the Patriots' Week 15 loss to the Dolphins, adding one reception for a gain of eight.

Fantasy Impact

Michel was the lead back with Damien Harris not playing. The third-year RB was surprisingly effective on the ground, but the Patriots' offense as a whole just wasn't efficient enough in scoring position. Michel can be left on your fantasy waiver wire for championship matchups in Week 16.

Sony Michel rushed seven times for 22 yards in the Patriots' 24-3 Week 14 loss to the Rams.

Fantasy Impact

Michel has a total of 17 carries over the past two weeks, but it hasn't equated to much fantasy production. The 25-year-old is well off the fantasy radar and could have trouble making the Patriots' roster come 2021.