Patriots Coach Shares Positive Update On Running Back

New England Patriots running back left Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams early in the fourth quarter after suffering a back injury. According to position coach Ivan Fears, Harris’ condition got better by the end of the game. However, he didn’t make any comments regarding the player’s role in the next few games.

The second-year pro probably avoided a serious injury in the game against the Rams.

“He was much better by the time we left, by the time the game was over, which was great,” Fears said Friday. “It’s one of those things that you never know what shows up today or tomorrow, that’s kinda the thing about it. We’re feeling pretty good. We’re feeling pretty confident right now, but who knows? We got banged up a little bit, and we’ll go with whoever we’ve got.”

Rex Burkhead won’t return to the field by the end of the season. New England has Sony Michel, James White and undrafted rookie J.J. Taylor on the depth chart.

Michel will probably have the largest uptick in snaps if Harris doesn’t suit up for Sunday’s match against the Miami Dolphins. The 2018 first-round draft pick led the team in his first two years before being suffering an injury in October. He lost his spot to Harris.

Patriots to find a replacement for their running back

Michel had to miss seven games due to a quad injury. He got COVID-19 too. The talented player has carried the ball 17 times for 57 yards in the past two games.

“He’s been a real team player,” Fears said. “He knows that Damien is really playing well, and Sony is sort of waiting for an opportunity to show what he can do, which is what you expect. He’s done a good job. He’s always up to date. Of course, he always knows what to do. He’s always ready to go. He always practices hard. He’s the kind of guy you just love having around — the kind of guy that you can depend on.”

Fears said the Patriots are fortunate to have these players. New England has a great player that can help the team win more games.

Taylor will probably join the lineup if Harris misses some time on the field. Fears said New England likes the Arizona product’s potential. However, he has weaknesses and has to improve his game.