James White, Kenjon Barner's Fantasy Outlook Post-Sony Michel's Injury

The New England Patriots lost running back Sony Michel to injury again Sunday, as he left the game against the Chicago Bears on a cart, ESPN.com's Mike Reiss reported.

The Patriots announced Michel, 23, was questionable to return after injuring his knee. He had 22 yards on four carries before exiting and was replaced by James White.

White finished with 40 yards on the ground but padded his fantasy total with eight receptions for 57 yards and two touchdowns.

Michel has struggled with injuries throughout his rookie season, mostly pertaining to his knee. He missed the preseason and first week of the regular season while recovering from a procedure to drain his knee.

Since returning, he'd been part of a running back rotation with White, Rex Burkhead and Jeremy Hill. Entering Sunday, Michel had recorded 400 yards and four touchdowns on 91 carries.

Burkhead and Hill are both on injured reserve, leaving Kenjon Barner as the next option in New England's running game if Michel is out for any stretch of time.

Barner ran for 36 yards on 10 carries Sunday but is unlikely to warrant serious fantasy consideration. A sixth-round draft pick in 2013, he has yet to finish a season with more than 171 yards from scrimmage.

Regardless of Michel's availability in Week 8 and beyond, White is a clear must-start, especially in point-per-reception leagues.