Pats' Michel off PUP, practices; Bennett absent

Second-year running back Sony Michel has been cleared to practice with the New England Patriots, after starting on the physically unable to perform list as training camp opened this week.

Before practice on Saturday, Michel told reporters he was ready to go.

"It's all about getting bigger, stronger, faster," he said.

Michel had a knee scope this offseason. He has a history of knee injuries dating back to high school and continuing into his college years at Georgia. He also suffered a knee injury in training camp last season and missed the preseason.

Michel, 24, was the Patriots' second first-round pick in 2018. In 13 games, he rushed for 931 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie. He also scored six touchdowns in the postseason, including the only touchdown in New England's Super Bowl LIII victory.

Meanwhile, defensive end Michael Bennett was excused from the first three days of camp for "personal reasons," according to director of player personnel Nick Caserio.

Caserio declined to offer further details.

"Michael has been great to work with, so we'll leave it at that," he said. "I really don't want to get into it any further."

Bennett, 33, joined the Patriots via trade from the Philadelphia Eagles in March. He skipped voluntary offseason workouts, instead staying at his home in Hawaii, but took part in mandatory minicamp in June.

Bennett had nine sacks and 30 QB hits last season, with the latter equaling a career high. He has 63 sacks and 178 QB hits in his 10-year career.

--Field Level Media