You know he’s giving you everything he’s got every day, whether it’s in practice or whether it’s in the game. Whatever he needs.”. Position coach Ivan Fears addressed this potential logjam Tuesday morning. “Right now, we’re still waiting to get the final word on whether we have everybody ready to go. “Sony’s always had the ability to catch the ball,” Fears said. “You talk about no spring, really no preseason games. The New England Patriots’ backfield could get very crowded this week. 3 Georgia and the nation's stingiest run defense in their Southeastern Conference showdown this weekend. In that time, he ran the ball 477 times for 3,070 yards and scored a combined 25 TDs. The team has a plethora of talent, and last year’s third-round pick, Damien Harris might be primed for a bigger role in 2020. He played college football at Alabama. We’re going to play the guys that are ready for that game, and we’ll go that way. The 2019 third-round pick was making his season debut after being activated off injured reserve, and even though he gained a modest 59 yards on his other 16 carries, he was still the most effective runner of the night for New England. Injury update: Patriots rookie running back Damien Harris dealing with minor hand/wrist injury The rookie has seen limited time recently, and now we know why. Harris didn’t play very much his rookie season behind Sony Michel and James Harris, but Bill Belichick didn’t select him out of Alabama on Day 2 to have him sit. He’s just what you’re looking for as a coach. Here’s what Fears had to say about each of the Patriots’ five backs: DAMIEN HARRISHarris was the Patriots’ best running back in training camp after hardly playing as a rookie, but a late-summer finger injury landed him on IR before Week 1. Fantasy Waiver Wire Week 5: Robert Tonyan, Damien Harris among top free agent pickups after Monday night breakouts. The New England Patriots have a good problem in their offensive backfield. There is great depth, and last year's third-round pick, Damien Harris might be primed for a takeover. “Every day in practice, the guy comes up and exemplifies what it means to be a tough football player,” Fears said. And if this is even close to... Patriots: Damien Harris already proving he’s going to steal Sony Michel’s job. Denver meanwhile, had been in line to host the Dolphins, but Miami now looks poised to take its bye Week 6. During the 2019 season, Harris had just four carries in the regular season for 12 yards. “Things sort of take care of themselves when it comes to who’s available and who’s not available, or who’s performing who’s not performing,” Fears said in a video conference. But which way it’s going to go, I don’t know. Obviously, no one wants to see Michel lose more time, but in the event he is unable to go in Week 1, the Patriots aren’t likely to panic as they still have an untapped resource for production out of the backfield in Harris. “But yeah, we’re all kind of on pins and needles on this one. You should ask him that, though. He made the right decisions, he made the right reads, he did all the things he was supposed to do, and he was very, very productive. He’s kind of an exciting guy, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he really does as he goes along here.”. Even at 8 years old, the pair stood out. Powered by. Two of his carries went for 38 and 48 yards, both surpassing his previous career-long of 33. “He looks pretty good to me,” he replied. On Sunday, Taylor saw his heaviest workload yet, both in snaps (15) and in carries (11, plus one reception). “So it’s a combination of both — you’ve got to perform, you’ve got to perform in practice, and we take the best of the lot if everybody happens to be available. Michel also was more involved than usual in the passing game, catching two passes on two targets for 23 yards. “I think we’re all kind of anxious to see what he will do when it’s truly go time. The Patriots are scheduled to hold their first practice of the week this Wednesday. J.J. TAYLORHarris’ injury created an opportunity for Taylor, and the undrafted rookie has capitalized, turning in impressive performances in two of the Patriots’ first three games. for the latest breaking news, rumors, and content. Damien Harris, the 2019 third-round pick out of Alabama, might actually prove an upgrade, but that remains to be seen.”. I really don’t know.”. Harris, who made just two garbage-time appearances last season, looked like a legitimate threat to supplant Sony Michel as New England’s lead back this summer. Will Taylor continue to see snaps and touches, though, once Harris is activated? Getty The guy has got very good hands. Fears was asked whether the third-year pro is back to full speed after that layoff. It was just the fifth time Michel had tallied multiple receptions in an NFL game. FANTASY PLAYS: Players to add for Week 5 include running back D’Ernest Johnson of Cleveland, tight end Robert Tonyan of Green Bay and Los Angeles Chargers running back Justin Jacks... Fantasy Waiver Wire: FAAB Report for Week 5 pickups, free agents. “In turn, the run game should be better with a healthy line, but top back Sony Michel just had foot surgery. Enhance your NESN experience by creating an account today, By creating an account, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, The Patriots could have as many as five RBs available Sunday. The NFL seemingly lulled itself into complacency after nearly two months of successfully blocking out COVID-19. We’ll see if he can maintain that momentum once he returns to the field. The Patriots have a good problem in the backfield. Michel, who managed just 19 yards on seven carries in New England’s Week 2 loss to Seattle, missed most of training camp this summer following offseason foot surgery. Robert Tonyan and Damien Harris showed why they belong on fantasy football rosters on Monday night, and both will be among the top Week 5 fa... Patriots Share Photo Of Jarret Stidham, Damien Harris On Same Pop Warner Team - NESN.com. Multiple Patriots players dedicated Sunday’s win to White. I really do. The Boston Herald’s Karen Guregian opined on a very realistic scenario that could see Harris poised for a takeover from a potentially vulnerable Michel. Harris was the fastest player on the team. SONY MICHELAfter a lackluster start to the season, Michel enjoyed one of the best games of his Patriots career Sunday, rushing for 117 yards on just nine carries in a 36-20 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. The biggest question with Burkhead always revolves around injuries — he’s missed 17 games since joining the Patriots in 2017 — but he’s remained healthy so far this season, fully participating in every practice since the start of training camp. Jarrett Stidham and Damien Harris go way back, and that was evident in the New England Patriots game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monda... Harris (finger) rushed 17 times for 100 yards in the Patriots' 26-10 loss to the Chiefs on Monday night. | RotoBaller Once a player returns to practice, his team has 21 days to add him to the 53-man roster. Stay up to date with NFL player news, rumors, updates, analysis, social feeds, and more at FOX Sports. “I’m really excited — excited about having Damien back if we can get him back,” Fears said. Damien Harris (born February 11, 1997) is an American football running back for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). Taylor also has been the Patriots’ primary kick returner this season, though fellow rookie Kyle Dugger also has taken reps in that role. Fears isn’t telling. Use of this website (including any and all parts and components) constitutes your acceptance of these.