Sony Michel Injury Update is Big Blow for Damien Harris Week 11 Fantasy Outlook

With New England Patriots running back Sony Michel out since Week 3, Damien Harris stepped into a lead role within the offense. However, Michel looks ready to return from his quad injury, as the Patriots activated him off the injured reserve list ahead of Week 11 against the Houston Texans.

With Michel ready to get back into the fold, it's a big blow for fantasy managers who enjoyed Harris' increased workload since Week 3.

Michel started the season as New England's main rushing back, averaging 8.7 rushing attempts and 57.7 yards per game. In Week 3, prior to his injury, the RB turned 9 rushes into 117 yards against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Damien Harris Fantasy Outlook

After Michel's injury, Harris immediately assumed his touches. Harris didn't appear in the team's first 3 games, but with Michel out, Harris averaged 14.2 attempts and 78.5 yards per game, crossing 100 yards or more in 3 games.

Harris is coming off of his heaviest workload yet, turning a season-high 22 rushing attempts into 121 yards against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 10.

With Michel out, Harris averaged 9.6 fantasy points (PPR) per game. That doesn't put him in elite company, but he was at least a dependable scorer for fantasy managers during Michel's absence. The threat that Michel presents to Harris' production makes the running back less viable as a weekly RB 2/3 option.

The Patriots have a juicy matchup against the Texans this week, who are allowing the third-most fantasy points (PPR) to running backs this season (30.83), but unfortunately the potential for a committee backfield here limits the fantasy appeal offered in Week 11.

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