Sony Michel back at practice to activate IR return clock

The New England Patriots opened their first practice of Week 9 and welcomed running back Sony Michel back to the field, per Mike Reiss. Michel is on injured reserve due to a quad and this means the team has activated his practice window. They do not have to activate him this week but could if they felt he was ready to return to play.

Michel hasn’t played since Week 3 when he rushed for 117 yards on nine carries. Damien Harris has emerged as the Patriots’ main ball carrier, but Michel returning could throw things for a loop. James White and Rex Burkhead remain in the mix as well, but fantasy managers would really be figuring out who of Michel or Harris to start on a weekly basis. This not a decision to be made yet, but it’s coming.

In the meantime for this Monday against the Jets, Harris is the start in most leagues, and White is a solid PPR flex.