Fantasy Football: 5 Things We Learned In Week 7

Sony Michel's Season Is in Jeopardy

The New England Patriots won this week, but not without a cost, as starting running back Sony Michel went down with what appeared to be a serious knee injury.

We won't know the severity of the injury until the results of an MRI come out later today, but the injury itself appeared brutal and the young running back had to be carted to the locker room almost immediately afterwards. It's particularly scary as Michel reportedly had knee issues coming into the season and even had a small procedure done just before the season began.

We have our fingers crossed for the 2018 first-round draft pick, but for fantasy purposes we need to figure out how to proceed. James White had yet another monster performance, handling 11 carries and a crazy 10 targets which he converted into 97 yards and 2 touchdowns. We know White's role is secure, and while he may see an increase in opportunity if Michel misses time, he's unlikely to become a full workhorse.

Instead, Kenjon Barner is likely to become the RB2 in the Patriots' backfield. Barner handled 10 carries in three quarters after Michel suffered his injury and seems to be the next man up. The Patriots don't have any other healthy options left after already losing Jeremy Hill and Rex Burkhead to season-ending injuries. Barner handled three carries near the Chicago Bears' goal line to just one carry for White, though White was the one who caught the touchdown passes. The team will probably sign someone for security and depth, but Barner is most likely locked into 10 or more carries a game for a high-end Pats offense.

Hopefully Michel gets good news today, but if not, White becomes a borderline RB1 and Barner should become a flex-worthy RB2/3.