New England Patriots running back Damien Harris didn’t get the news he was hoping for after learning he’d likely miss multiple games with a hamstring injury, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
It’s a tough break for Harris, who is playing in a contract year and looking to make the most out of his opportunities this season. The Patriots are sitting pretty with another legitimate starting option in Rhamondre Stevenson, who is actually the more versatile playmaker of the two running backs.
But things get a bit shaky after Stevenson.
The team has another veteran option in JJ Taylor, along with rookies Pierre Strong Jr. and Kevin Harris. But they’ll be losing their primary sledgehammer in the offensive backfield with Damien Harris out of commission.
#Patriots RB Damien Harris is likely to miss multiple games because of the hamstring injury he suffered in Sunday's win over the #Lions, per source. Still getting tests, but the expectation is he'll be out for a bit.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 11, 2022
There could be a snowball effect if starting quarterback, Mac Jones, remains out with the high ankle sprain. The team leans heavily on the rushing attack to protect rookie Bailey Zappe when he’s leading the offense.
Not having that two-headed monster running the ball is concerning for such a young quarterback going on the road and possibly making his second NFL start on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. Stevenson can certainly carry the load, but how much of it will he be asked to carry?
Opportunity is knocking right now for the rookies.
