Field Yates discusses what Sony Michel, who was traded by the Patriots, will bring to the Rams' offense this season. (1:34).
THOUSAND OAKS (Calif.) -- The Los Angeles Rams' running back Cam Akers sustained a season-ending Achilles injury just before the start of training camp. It was a devastating blow for the Rams and their newly acquired quarterback Matthew Stafford.
The Rams had ample time to prepare a contingency plan due to Akers' injury.
Darrell Henderson Jr. was promoted to the starting position by the Rams. With seven weeks remaining before the season opener, the Rams had ample time to assess if their young talent -- Jake Funk and second-year pro Xavier Jones -- could rapidly develop into bigger roles.
After nearly four weeks worth of practice, two preseason games, and the near-finale against the Chicago Bears on September 12, it became clear that the Rams had to look beyond their facility to find reinforcements if they were to keep their Super Bowl dreams alive.
They are now hoping that fourth-year runningback Sony Michel will be the key to electrifying a backfield of quiet players.
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After trading for Michel, the Rams' general manager Les Snead stated Wednesday that they were "definitely jacked about where our roster is at" after exchanging a 2022 sixth round pick and a 2020 fourth-rounder to the New England Patriots.
First-round pick (No. The Patriots selected Michel as their No. 31 overall pick in 2018. This is a very affordable option that should give the Patriots the spark they need to replace Stafford's playbook.
Snead stated that "what he does bring" is the element of making a cut, getting north and south, and then getting north and south with some force. "The physics he brings to our table -- let's just call it a flavor, or genre, that we felt complemented our group."
Michel is finishing the last season of his rookie contract after the Patriots declined his option. He will make $1.79million.
Michel has run for 2,292 yards in 28 attempts over the last three seasons. He also scored 14 touchdowns.
It is not clear what the workload split between Henderson and Michel will be or if Michel could eventually replace Henderson. Henderson was selected in round three of the 2019 draft as a change to pace back.
The Henderson, 5'8 and 208-pound Henderson are both 5-foot-8 while Michel, 5-11 and 215-pounds each, have different running styles. Henderson is known for bouncing outside of the tackles while Michel runs downhill.
Play 1:02 What fantasy value is Henderson going to lose as a result of the Rams' trade with Michel? Matthew Berry examines Darrell Henderson Jr.’s fantasy projections following the Rams trade for Sony Michel.
Sean McVay, Rams coach, has expressed his confidence in Henderson’s ability to play three-down back. However, he also warned about Henderson's health and suggested that a cautious approach be taken when deploying Henderson.
McVay stated that there is no skill that Darrell is not capable of. It's about finding the sweet spot for him in terms of how many snaps he needs to keep him fresh through a 17-game season, and hopefully more.
Henderson currently has a mild thumb injury that has forced him to wear a brace or cast on his left side. He has also been affected by injuries over the years. In 2019, and 2020, he was injured in his ankle. Both of these injuries required offseason surgery.
Henderson has rushed for 771 yards, five touchdowns, and has also caught 20 passes for at least 196 yards. Henderson's career includes 11 starts.
Although he has been praised by coaches and shown his health throughout Patriots' training camps, Michel, a member the Super Bowl LIII champion Patriots that defeated the Rams -- has some injuries concerns.
Michel was injured reserve last season after suffering a quadriceps injury in Week 3. He missed six games. Michel also had knee problems in Georgia, which he continued to have into the NFL.
Michel's injury concerns are worth it, as the Rams aim to make a deep playoff run.
Snead stated that Sony was chosen because of many factors. "Number one is his experience. This means that he has been a player who can carry the ball in big games.
Michel could be the missing piece for the Rams to carry them into February.
