Sony Michel Fantasy Overview

Multiple reports on Tuesday indicate that free agent RB Sony Michel is signing with the Rams. The terms of the deal are unknown as of this writing. This will be Michel's second stint with the team, as he spent the 2021 season as a member of the Rams team that won Super Bowl LVI. The former first-round pick was a member of the Chargers in 2022, racking up 106 rushing yards on 36 carries in a limited role last year. Michel brings five seasons of NFL experience to a backfield littered with inexperienced players like Zach Evans, the Rams' 2023 sixth-round draft pick, and 2022 rookies Kyren Williams and Ronnie Rivers. While the signing of Michel certainly doesn't reflect super well on these younger backs, though it's too soon to make a big deal about the Rams bringing in a 28-year-old with an extensive injury history. Training camp will help give us an idea as to which of these players will seize the RB2 role behind presumed backfield leader Cam Akers in 2023. Still, we project Akers to have a sizable workload in this backfield this upcoming season. Take a look at where Akers appears in our current RB rankings.

Chargers RB Sony Michel is a healthy scratch for today's game vs. the Cardinals. That leaves Isaiah Spiller and Joshua Kelley behind lead back Austin Ekeler.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler caught just 2 passes for 17 yards in Sunday night's loss to the Chiefs, setting season lows in each category. But he carried a season-high 19 times for 83 yards (4.4 per rush) and a TD. It was Ekeler's 6th game among the past 7 with at least 1 rushing score. Isaiah Spiller followed him in the backfield, drawing 4 carries (11 yards) and 2 targets (2 catches, 11 yards) in roughly one-third of Ekeler's playing time. Sony Michel totaled just 5 snaps and converted a 3rd-and-1 with his only carry. The Chargers find positive rushing matchups each of the next 2 weeks -- but challenges beyond that -- according to our adjusted fantasy points allowed to RBs.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler was added to the injury report and limited on Thursday with an abdomen issue. He spoke to reporters before the workout and made no mention of an injury, so it looks like this happened during Thursday's practice. We'll see what Ekeler does in Friday's practice and how he's listed on the final injury report. His absence vs. the Falcons this weekend would leave Sony Michel as Los Angeles' likely lead back, with rookie Isaiah Spiller the #2.