It was a scary scene for New England Patriots running back Sony Michel in Week 7 against the Chicago Bears. The talented rookie went down with a knee injury in the second quarter and was eventually helped off the field and carted to the locker room. The positive news is that the knee injury isn’t as serious as it originally seemed, but it did sideline him in Week 8.
With the Patriots facing the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football, Michel seemed like he had a solid chance to play. Things didn’t pan out, though, and we’re going to take a look at the latest timeline and any updates on the 23-year-old’s status moving forward due to the injury.
Sony Michel Originally Called ‘Week to Week Prior to Week 8
The first bit of news came was from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who revealed ahead of Week 8 that there was no structural damage to the knee. He called the Patriots back “week to week” moving forward.
MRI on Patriots’ RB Sony Michel revealed no structural damage, per source. Michel will be considered week to week, per source. Best-case scenario for Michel and Patriots.
Michel was then given the doubtful tag throughout the week of preparation. After the first-round pick racked up 422 rushing yards and four touchdowns to start the year, there was plenty of optimism surrounding a possible return in the near future. Regardless, the fact that Michel avoided serious injury on a play which looked bad is great news.
The Patriots young back nearly surprised NFL fans by getting on the field ahead of Week 8. While Michel was able to practice in a limited fashion on Saturday, it provided at least somewhat of a positive outlook on his status.
Michel Misses Two-Straight Games
It never seemed too likely that he’d return to action against the Bills, and that proved to be the case. As Nora Princiotti of the Boston Globe revealed, the Patriots ruled Michel out for the game.
Marcus Cannon, Sony Michel and Geneo Grissom have been downgraded to out. Cannon’s concussion keeps him out a second-straight week. Was expected Michel (knee) wouldn’t play
The decision on whether or not Michel would be available in Week 9 was seemingly close. Unfortunately, it seems he wasn’t quite close enough. Shortly before the Patriots’ game against the Packers, the team announced the rookie running would be inactive.
Packers inactives.
There should be a more concrete update on Michel’s timeline and where things stand following the Packers game. Fortunately, it does seem as though he’s getting close and could be back sooner than later.
READ NEXT: Raiders’ Bruce Irvin Trade Rumors: Asking Price for Defensive End
Comments
Sony Michel Injury: Latest on Patriots Running Back’s Outlook