Running back Sony Michel has re-joined the Los Angeles Rams for a second spell on a short-term deal, the team has announced.
The 28-year-old, who was a first-round NFL Draft pick by the New England Patriots in 2018, has agreed terms on the return on Tuesday. Michel spent a year at the Rams in 2021, before moving on to the Miami Dolphins and then the Los Angeles Chargers.
In his first stint at the Rams, Michel posted 208 carries for 845 yards and four touchdowns. He also registered 21 receptions for 128 yards and one touchdown, playing a key role for the Rams in their Super Bowl-winning season. It was the second time he had lifted the Vince Lombardi Trophy after being part of the Patriots team which beat the Rams in Super Bowl LIII.
The two-time Super Bowl champion will join the likes of Cam Akers, Kyren Williams, Ronnie Rivers, and rookie Zach Evans in the running back roster. The Rams have decided to bring back Michel after missing him in the 2022 campaign. Their running back ranks were leaning heavily on the youthful side, and Michel's veteran experience may have been valuable.
The Rams had a disappointing season, finishing third in the NFC West behind the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers. It saw the 2021 Super Bowl champs miss out on a postseason spot. finishing with a record of 5-12, the third worst in the NFL.
Head coach Sean McVay will be tasked with rebuilding the Rams in what could be his toughest season yet as the franchise's main man. McVay is aiming to use the belief that the Rams won't compete in 2023 as inspiration for a potential postseason run.
" I think you want to be motivated by being in the moment and being as good as we can possibly be," McVay said.
"And I know this, there’s a lot of things we can learn from when you draw on experiences... We got to go play the games and so there are a lot narratives written.
"There’s a lot of narratives that were written before last season that maybe thought we were going to be better.
"That didn’t work out the way that it did, and so whether that matters or not, it doesn’t really matter to me. What matters is how we go about our business every day.
"I don’t think you want to be naïve to the fact that our players (and) coaches see that... but we’re motivated by the fact that, hey, let’s go try and help each other realize our highest potential.
"Let’s be steady in the midst of adversity, let’s handle it the right way... it’s about making sure you’re enjoying it, but continuing to compete to the best of your ability with that mental and physical toughness that we want, and I think you’ll see that on display this year.”
