Sony Michel rushed 21 times for 133 yards and a touchdown in the Patriots’ Week 12 win over the Jets, adding two receptions for 12 additional yards.
The 133 yards on the ground were a new career high. Michel almost didn’t get there after tweaking his back early in the third quarter. He remained down for several moments before walking very gingerly to the sidelines. He never popped into the medical tent, however, and ended up missing only one series. Michel could have had an even-bigger game but had 25- and 15-yard runs called back by penalty. He also had a touchdown overturned on review but managed to punch it in one play later. Michel will remain a volume-based RB2 for Week 13 against the Vikings.
The absence of Sony Michel in New England’s offense really showed its colors as the team struggled to get things going. His return really completed everything as they seemed to be moving the ball well with Michel leading the way. New England has leaned on their rookie back to shoulder the early down work and he’s been progressing each and every week. He’s going to be ridden by the Patriots for the remainder of the season, and narrowly escaped a freaky looking injury as he bent backwards in an awkward way.
As a high volume RB in a high scoring offense, Michel lines up nicely as a stretch run RB2 for fantasy playoff teams. The Patriots need to win out in their remaining games for seeding, so don’t think he’ll be resting much at all in the coming games.
