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Factoid

Patriots runners

Michel health status bears watching

Sony Michel started camp on the PUP list in New England. He underwent a knee surgery in the offseason, described as a minor cleanup procedure. He's since been activated and is practicing with the team, so he's fine for now. But it's a situation that will need to be monitored, as should third-rounder Damien Harris.

Should Michel (who has a history of knee issues) miss any games, the former Alabama back would be the heavy favorite to pick up the inside running duties in the Patriots offense, including around the goal line. And it's an offense that's very friendly to running backs in terms of scoring.

Though Tom Brady gets the most ink, New England annually ranks among the league leaders in rushing touchdowns. Over the past five seasons, only two teams, the Saints and Bills, have more rushing scores than the Patriots.

TEAM RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS, 2014-2018
Team'14'15'16'17'18Tot
New Orleans161617232698
Buffalo71929121582
New England131419161880
Kansas City181915121680
Dallas16824181379
Carolina101916151777
LA Rams11169172376
Cincinnati19181761373
Philadelphia16151691268
Baltimore16810141967
Atlanta111320121167
Pittsburgh101613121667
Tennessee61016181565
Denver15131181865
Washington15917101263
Minnesota1218915963
Seattle20101341562
Cleveland17513111561
Chicago81310131660
Green Bay14811131460
Arizona616206957
NY Jets111110131156
San Francisco1071515754
Indianapolis9613111352
Oakland471713950
Detroit1179101148
Miami1211144748
Jacksonville95818747
Houston127881247
LA Chargers6410101646
Tampa Bay712881146
NY Giants135661343

For now, Harris is best viewed as a handcuff for those who draft Michel, but we'll see. Definitely should be one of the first No. 2 running backs selected. A lot of upside in the rookie should he find his way into the lineup.

--Andy Richardson

Fantasy Index