Damien Harris only played two games last season as a rookie, but things could be different in his second season.
According to Mike Giardi of NFL Media, the Alabama product has only been part of the Patriots’ training sessions for the past few weeks, as Gillette Stadium has been closed to players due to COVID-19.
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It is certainly a positive development as the ball carrier enters his second season.
“It was interesting,” Harris told Patriots.com earlier in the off-season. “This is my first offseason in the league and with all that is going on, I still have to find a way to get my job and to prepare myself. I try to take advantage of the opportunities that I have by working alone and in staying ready for it every time it comes in. It’s been different but at the same time, I feel like I’m doing everything I can to stay prepared, whether online or working alone.
“I was back in Alabama early, then back in Massachusetts. I had a little interaction with my teammates. Some of the guys were able to get together and train safely while being productive.”
Part of the reason he didn’t see much playing time as a rookie was because of the depth of the team at the position. The same players return this year, but Harris may have a chance to show off what he has. This can happen at the start of training camp with Sony Michel returning from ankle surgery out of season.
Michel has been the Patriots’ leader for the past two seasons, but it looks like more could be received from the station. In Alabama, Harris had two 1,000-yard seasons and also had 22 out of the backfield in his final year.
Clearly Harris didn’t let his rookie season knock him down and he could come to training camp more motivated than ever to prove he deserves a shot and not look back.
In addition to Harris and Michel, the Patriots have Rex Burkhead, James White and Brandon Bolden in the race hall.
Related: Ordway: Jarrett Stidham to start the first week for the Patriots
