Patriots running back Damien Harris was not spotted at practice for the second consecutive day. His availability is in question for Thursday’s game.
Harris suffered a thigh injury during the second half last Thursday night in New England’s loss to the Vikings. The team announced he was questionable to return, then ruled him out shortly after. After the game, the Alabama product was seen using a pair of crutches. Since the Patriots host the Bills on Thursday night, their practice schedule is slightly different. Their first practice took place on Sunday, and Harris wasn’t spotted. Twenty-four hours later, the four-year back wasn’t spotted at practice.
If Harris can’t play Thursday, New England will lean on Rhamondre Stevenson as their lead back. Harris has been inactive twice this season, the first time coming in Week 5 when Stevenson rushed for 161 yards on 25 carries. Before the bye week, Harris also missed the Patriots contest with the Colts. Stevenson carried the ball 15 times for 60 yards. Behind Stevenson, the Patriots have two rookies running backs on the active roster. Pierre Strong Jr. and Kevin Harris haven’t produced this season. On the practice squad, the Patriots have third-year back J.J. Taylor.
The Patriots will practice on Tuesday and have a closed walk-through on Wednesday before their Thursday night kickoff in Foxboro. The game is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET. and can be seen locally on FOX and nationally on the Amazon prime app.
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My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
