Patriots rule out Sony Michel for Week 4 vs. Chiefs

A tough break for Michel after a big game on Sunday.

The New England Patriots have ruled out running back Sony Michel after he was limited in practice all week with a quad injury.

Michel is coming off a nine-carry, 117-yard game in Week 4. He also added a pair of catches for 23 yards. It was his most efficient performance of his career, with long runs of 38 and 48 yards. It has otherwise been a tough stretch for Michel, whose yards per carry were a paltry 3.7 in 2019 and were 3.3 in 2020 before his big game in Week 3.

Michel’s absence will thrust James White, Rex Burkhead and J.J. Taylor into bigger roles. It may also indicate that running back Damien Harris, who started the season on injured reserve, is ready to make his return. The Patriots must activate him to the 53-man roster by 4 p.m. on Monday to play in the game.

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