THOUSAND OAKS (Calif.) -- Sony Michel, a New England Patriots running back, has been acquired by the Los Angeles Rams.
The deal was announced Wednesday morning by the Rams. It included two conditional draft picks for New England -- one in round five and another in round six.
Michel will fill an immediate need for Rams who won't have rising star Cam Akers because he injured his Achilles tendon during training camp.
Darrell Henderson Jr. took over in Akers' absence but the Rams are short of depth behind the third-year pro.
Xavier Jones, a second-year pro and an undrafted agent in 2020, was joined by Jake Funk, a rookie seventh-rounder, who competed in the preseason to prove they were capable of filling the position.
Coach Sean McVay stated that the Rams would give the young men a fair chance to get the job, but left open the possibility of the team looking for outside help as the season opens.
McVay answered the question this week about Jones and Funk's readiness for Week 1 against Chicago Bears on September 12.
McVay stated that "we got a bit of time." "Darrell has been established and done many good things. Both of them were a pleasure to me."
Henderson sustained a minor thumb injury in practice Monday, but was able to return to practice Tuesday wearing a cast or brace that protected his left hand.
Michel, a fourth-year professional, has rushed for 2,292 yard and 14 touchdowns in 28 starts with the Patriots. He was drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft with the 31st pick.
Michel ran for 94 yards on 18 carries in a Super Bowl LIII victory over the Rams.
Michel will be earning a base salary in the final year 2021 of his contract, after the Patriots had previously declined to exercise their fifth-year option for 2022. Fears, the Patriots' running back coach, had raved about him this preseason. Fears said he had "upped" his game.
Fears stated, "I have always liked him as an athlete but now he has shown us that he can play in the passing and be very efficient." "He has had an extremely good camp."
Michel missed six games last season after he was injured in the quadriceps. He rushed for 449 yards, a touchdown and 79 carries in nine games. Michel ran for 22 yards on seven carries in a loss to the Rams of 24-3.
The Patriots went through training camp with six running backs in surplus, including Damien Harris (third-year pro) and James White (veteran).
The Patriots' running back surplus has been a topic of conversation at camp. White, Harris, Michel, White and fourth-round pick Rhamondre Stephenson are all on the depth chart. Also, J.J. Taylor, spark plug J.J. Taylor, veteran special teams player Brandon Bolden are all on it. It is likely that the Patriots will only keep five players at this position.
Coach Bill Belichick stated last week that all of his players have had opportunities and showed positive results. The best in each of us comes out of competition. It's a wonderful situation."
This report was contributed by Mike Reiss, ESPN.
