Damien Harris, N'Keal Harry Limited At Wednesday's Practice; Stevenson Does Not Practice Due To Illness
FOXBORO (CBS) -- The Patriots got a few players back at practice on Wednesday, as the team gears up for an important matchup with the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on Sunday. There were a few more, however, who did not participate in Wednesday's session.
We'll start with the good news, because it's the time of the year when good news wins out. Running back Damien Harris was back on the field during the media portion of Wednesday's practice, a good sign after New England's leading rusher had to sit out Saturday's loss to the Colts with a hamstring injury.
And from the those at practice, Harris appears to back to his usual self.
Damien Harris took a handoff during drills and was fired up. Started shouting in Mac Jones' direction. Safe to say Harris was pumped to be at practice. #Patriots
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) December 22, 2021
Receiver N'Keal Harry and linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley were also out there on Wednesday, which bodes well for their status this weekend after they were both injured against the Colts. Running back J.J. Taylor, who has spent the last several weeks on the COVID list, also returned to the practice field on Wednesday.
Harris, Harry and Bentley were among the nine players that were limited during Wednesday's session:
C David Andrews, Shoulder
DL Christian Barmore, Knee
LB Ja'Whaun Bentley, Ribs/Ankle
RB Brandon Bolden, Knee
K Nick Folk, Left Knee
RB Damien Harris, Hamstring
WR N'Keal Harry, Hip
S Adrian Phillips, Knee
WR/ST Matthew Slater, Illness
There were a handful of players missing though, including running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who missed practice with an illness. The rookie has not been placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, so that is at least promising on his injury front.
Receiver Nelson Agholor was also out on Wednesday as he remains in concussion protocol after leaving Saturday night's loss early. Receiver Kendrick Bourne and offensive lineman Yasir Durant were both out on Wednesday because of COVID-19.
The Patriots will likely be thin at the receiver position for Sunday's matchup with Buffalo, with the status of both Agholor and Bourne in doubt. When asked Wednesday morning if Bourne may be able to play in Sunday's game, head coach Bill Belichick said that would only happen "if he meets the criteria that the league set up."
If both Bourne and Agholor can't suit up for New England, Kristian Wilkerson and Tre Nixon could be in line for an elevation from the practice squad.
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