Patriots trade Michel to Rams

The New England Patriots traded running back Sony Michel to the Los Angeles Rams, the team announced Wednesday.

New England acquired a 2022 sixth-round pick and a 2023 fourth-round selection in exchange, according to The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue.

Michel will help fill the void left by Cam Akers' season-ending injury. Fellow Rams running back Darrell Henderson also suffered a thumb injury recently but is expected to be available for the season opener against the Chicago Bears on Sept. 12.

The Patriots drafted Michel in the first round in 2018.

The Georgia product, who's entering the final year of his rookie contract, was a member of the Super Bowl-winning team that beat Los Angeles in his rookie year. He scored the only touchdown in the 13-3 victory and finished that postseason with six touchdowns through three games.

In three seasons with the Patriots, Michel rushed for 2,292 yards (4.3 per carry) and 14 touchdowns on 535 attempts. The 26-year-old was limited to just nine appearances last year due to injuries and finished the campaign with 449 yards (5.7 per rushing attempt) and one score.

The Patriots' running back depth chart is still deep. The unit, which is led by third-year runner Damien Harris, also features James White, JJ Taylor, and fourth-round rookie Rhamondre Stevenson, who's scored four touchdowns through two preseason games this year.

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