Patriots RB Sony Michel’s heading in the right direction

Sony Michel’s offseason got off to a slow start due to surgery to correct a foot injury. That slow start led the running back to missing the first eight days of training camp. That allowed backup running back Damien Harris to shine last month and make many people wonder if Michel was closing to losing his starting job on the Patriots.

In the NFL, however, injuries are a part of the game and so is players taking advantage of their opportunities. At the current moment, Harris [...]

Sony Michel’s offseason got off to a slow start due to surgery to correct a foot injury. That slow start led the running back to missing the first eight days of training camp. That allowed backup running back Damien Harris to shine last month and make many people wonder if Michel was closing to losing his starting job on the Patriots.

In the NFL, however, injuries are a part of the game and so is players taking advantage of their opportunities. At the current moment, Harris is currently dealing with a hand injury and it’s unlikely he’ll be ready to play in the Patriots Week 1 matchup against Miami.

That brings us back to Michel. The third-year running back could once again be in line to start for the Pats. That’s if he’s physically ready to do so after a late start this offseason. On Sunday, Michel said he feels like he’s getting better and improving.

"I would say I am in the best position possible right now to be able to go into Game 1 and be able to perform as best as I can," Michel said. "The coaching staff, the training staff has done a great job preparing me for this opportunity. All I can do is go out there and give it all I have."

Michel admitted that he hasn’t caught up to the lost time he missed this summer. However, with Harris missing every practice since last week, there are a lot of reps for Michel to take in practice next to Rex Burkhead and James White.

The team will certainly need Michel come this Sunday and his health is something to monitor.

"I would just say I am feeling a day better," Michel said. "Every day is a work in progress. Every day is a day to get better for me. Beginning of the season, you’re never going to feel like you’re at the best shape. So for me, I am just working to get better. I feel good. I am just going to keep trying to build from there."

mdaniels@providencejournal.com

On Twitter: @MarkDanielsPJ