Team news: New England Patriots

Pass-catching back James White will also have a heavy role and could be in for a monster year if quarterback Cam Newton wins the starting job, considering the way Newton wore out Christian McCaffrey during their time together with the Panthers.

Related players: Sony Michel, Damien Harris, Lamar Miller

The story was mostly about Michel and the uncertainty around his foot injury. He's on the PUP list and may remain there into the season, missing the first six games. The story added all eyes will be on Harris who has been hurt by injuries but the team still seems high on him coming from Alabama and playing in the SEC, according to the story. We rank White the highest among the New England backs but the thinking is White will only have flex value in PPR leagues. But based on this story, White maybe ends up with a bigger role.

It’s still too early to know if Sony Michel (foot surgery) will be ready for the regular season.

Related players: Lamar Miller, Damien Harris, James White

Thus the reason for the signing of Miller. The Pats were also hurt by the opt-out of Brandon Bolden so they were a little short at the position. As always, the Patriots RB situation will be one to watch for fantasy owners. White is the back to own in PPR leagues.

Former Texans’ RB Lamar Miller and the Patriots reached agreement on a one-year deal, pending a physical.

Related players: Sony Michel, Damien Harris

With Michel still on the PUP list because of his foot, Miller should provide some insurance if Michel has to miss time to start the season. Remember, Miller tore his ACL and MCL last season playing for the Texans. This probably isn't good news for Harris who was expected to possibly get Michel's work. Miller becomes worth a pick later in fantasy drafts as we await Michel's status to open the season.

Mohamed Sanu’s stay on the New England Patriots’ physically unable to perform list was short-lived. The Patriots wide receiver was removed from active/PUP on Tuesday, according to the NFL’s transaction wire.

Sanu had offseason ankle surgery but had been spotted working out with Patriots quarterbacks this offseason, the story said.

The Patriots have placed RB Sony Michel (foot), WR Mohamed Sanu (ankle) and special teams ace Brandon King on PUP, per source.

Related players Damien Harris

Reports say Michel is in danger of missing the start of the season, but Sanu is expected to be ready to go for Week 1. Harris could take over Michel's role if he's not ready to go. As for Sanu, we have him behind Julian Edelman and N'Keal Harry as far as Patriot receivers go.

New England running back Brandon Bolden has decided to opt out, according to multiple reports.

All NFL players have the option to opt out of the season amid the COVID-19 pandemic. They will receive a stipend for living expenses in 2020 and then the 2020 season on their contracts will move to 2021. Bolden is deep down our draft board but is mostly a special teams player for the Patriots.

It’s still uncertain if Sony Michel will be cleared in time for the start of practice, per source.

Related players: Rex Burkhead, Damien Harris

Michel had foot surgery in May. His status remains up in the air the tweet said. We still think James White is the back to own in the New England offense, especially PPR leagues. But Michel's injury could open the door for Harris and/or Burkhead.

Came Newton will certainly open up new aspects to the Patriots offense that the team wasn't able to really deploy with Tom Brady, especially in the running game. With Newton, OC Josh McDaniels, if he so chooses, will have the option to unleash a different style offense than the "death by a million paper cuts" passing game that they ran with Brady. Thanks to Newton's mobility along with his arm, the Patriots offense could utilize more bootlegs and RPOs to further give depth to the unit.

The author feels change is something the Pats seemingly will embrace. HC Bill Belichick noted earlier this offseason the Patriots would cater the offense around whoever ultimately earns the job under center, the story said. Newton also referred to himself as a "ticked off dog." We rank Newton 15th on our QB list with an ADP of the 12th round in 12-team leagues.

Sony Michel posted a picture on his Instagram that shows him without a walking boot.

Beat writer Mike Reiss said some Patriots have already returned to the area, getting a head start on their quarantine. Michel is recovering from offseason surgery on his foot, and as a rehabbing player is allowed to use the team's facilities, which he's been taking advantage of for several weeks now. Unfortunately, we don't see Michel's fantasy arrow pointing up with the loss of Tom Brady.

It's a one-year "prove it" deal for Cam Newton, who missed most of 2019 with a foot injury. He completed 50-of-89 passes for one interception and no touchdowns while rushing five times for negative two yards. In 2018, he completed 67.9% of his passes and had a 24-to-13 touchdown-to-interception ratio while rushing for 35 yards a game. This looks like a great signing for the Patriots, who were obviously uncomfortable going into the season with Jarrett Stidham and/or Brian Hoyer as their only options. If Newton is fully healthy, he's a threat for QB1 numbers. He has five top 4 finishes in his career and has never finished outside the top 17 when he has played 14 or more games. The signing is good news for all of the New England offensive players (outside of Stidham/Hoyer, obviously).