With both Sony Michel and free agency acquisition Lamar Miller sidelined, second-year man Damien Harris took on the role as the New England Patriots’ number one running back during the early portions of training camp. He literally ran with the opportunity: Harris was one of the most impressive players all summer and appeared to be well on his way to carve out a prominent role in the Patriots’ new-look offense as an early-down back.
This plan has now been put on hold, however. Harris has been absent from practice ever since Monday, and is reportedly dealing with a hand injury that could even force him to miss New England’s season opener against the Miami Dolphins on September 13: ESPN’s Mike Reiss was the first to report the news, with NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport later adding that the 23-year-old recently underwent surgery on his pinky finger.