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Aug. 25 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles Rams addressed their lack of depth at the running back position with a trade Wednesday for Sony Michel of the New England Patriots, the teams announced. The Rams sent the Patriots undisclosed picks in the 2022 NFL Draft in exchange for the three-year veteran. Michel, 26, joined the Patriots as the No. 31 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
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Michel recorded 449 yards and one score on 79 carries in nine games last season. He also recorded 114 yards and a score on seven catches. Michel missed seven games in 2020 due to injuries and placement on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
The Rams lost starting running back Cam Akers for the season due to a torn Achilles he sustained this off-season. Darrell Henderson is expected to assume the starting role in Akers' absence. He sustained a thumb sprain Monday at practice.
Akers led the Rams with 625 rushing yards in 13 appearances in his 2020 rookie campaign. Henderson ran for 624 yards in 15 appearances last season.
Michel is a free agent next off-season. He totaled 912 rushing yards in 2019 and 931 rushing yards in 2018. The former Georgia star totaled 2,550 yards from scrimmage and 15 touchdowns in three seasons for the Patriots.
The Patriots' depth chart now features Damien Harris, James White, Rhamondre Stevenson, J.J. Taylor and Brandon Bolden at running back.
The Rams battle the Denver Broncos in their final preseason game at 9:05 p.m. EDT Saturday in Denver. The Patriots face the New York Giants in their last preseason game at 6 p.m. EDT Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.
