Running Back Group Filled With Uncertainty for New England

Sony Michel may need a breakout to keep his starting role. (Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

When discussing the Patriots' depth chart at running back, the answer is very often "it's complicated". This year will be no exception; in fact, it might be as complicated as it's ever been.

The Incumbent

For better or worse, Sony Michel has been the starter – even if only by title – since New England selected him as a first-rounder in 2018. He hasn't had a bad career up to this point, but it also hasn't been a "first-round" career, especially considering how many yards he's gained strictly from dominant run blocking via the offensive line. He's also frequently hampered by injuries, as he was to start training camp this year.

His lower half has taken a major beating. He's had a problematic knee, it's put extra pressure on his feet (one of which he had surgery on this offseason) and ankles, and the shiftiness he showcased in college at Georgia is almost completely gone. He'll play a lot early this season, but his reign might not last for long.

The Challenger

I'm skipping some veterans who should easily make the roster, but Damien Harris (a third-round selection last year) has catapulted himself into the mix. He only ran the ball four times for 12 yards last year, but that was largely due to how crowded the backfield was.

In reality, Harris' production and running style were very similar to Michel's in college, and the agility Harris brought with him – although it's fairly average for an NFL runner – hasn't left him like it did for Michel. He has players to jump ahead of, but it's not impossible, and he's taken a considerable percentage of first-team reps this offseason. The only trouble: he has a hand injury they may sideline him in Week 1.

The Pass-Play Back

With Brady gone, it's not clear how heavily this role will be turned to, but it undoubtedly still belongs to James White. He's snagged at least 56 passes in the last four seasons, and he's recorded 159 catches for 1396 yards and 12 touchdowns over the last two seasons.

He's not Christian McCaffrey, but White will still be on the field frequently. His leadership value also carries more weight than it gets credit for.

The Changeup

On most teams, Rex Burkhead might not be a factor. He's not the Patriots' primary rusher, a goal-line specialist, or the top receiver out of the backfield. But for some reason, even with a low usage rate and largely-undefined role, he succeeds whenever he's on the field.

Burkhead averaged 4.6 yards per carry and 10.3 yards per reception last year, and that doesn't even take his special teams duties into account. He's safe; the fact that he's never logged 100 touches in a season doesn't matter.

The Journeyman

Opinions on Lamar Miller are all over the map. Some experts say he's a camp body, only signed to fill the void left by Michel (who was initially inactive) during walkthroughs – the irony is that Miller also missed time while Michel was sidelined. Others see him as a threat for legitimate play time in September and beyond.

Miller has been one of the tougher backs to evaluate in recent years. His production dipped when he went from Miami to Houston, but so did the help he received from linemen. He has plenty of starting experience, though – nearly 6,000 rushing yards in seven seasons – and he could inject a bit more speed into the rushing attack than Michel or Harris provide. But he also missed all of last season with a torn ACL. How much of a chance will he be given?

The Likely Outcome

Michel, White, Burkhead, and Harris will make the roster. The Patriots will most likely carry five running backs – they did last year, plus a fullback – but that isn't a guarantee. If Miller can make a quick impression, he's a shoe-in, as well. They probably try to stash him anyway, but don't rule out J.J. Taylor, a smaller undrafted free agent out of Arizona as primarily a backup to White.