Damien Harris Gaining First-Team Reps

The New England Patriots will have a different look on offense with Cam Newton at quarterback in place of long-time starter Tom Brady. A key element to the team’s success will be the running back position and Damien Harris appears to have solidified himself in training camp.

Harris, the Patriots’ third-round pick from the 2019 NFL Draft, has been a real standout in training camp. In fact, he has solidified himself in such a way that he is expected to hold a ‘significant role’ in New England’s offense during the 2020 season.

When discussing the running back position, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick made it clear that Harris has displayed real ‘consistency and dependability’ in training camp.

“Damien has had a really good camp,” Belichick said, via SiriusXM NFL Radio. “He came to camp in very good condition. He’s taken a lot of reps. He’s handled everything in the running game and passing game very well, which he did last year. I think everybody had a lot of confidence in him but they’ve all gained a lot more in him just because of his consistency and dependability.”

With Sony Michel failing to build off his impressive rookie campaign, there is a real outlook for other running backs like Harris to be able to earn more snaps. There is no shortage of competition at this spot between James White, Rex Burkhead, Lamar Miller, and J.J. Taylor.

It’s important to note, there is a chance that Harris could miss the Patriots’ matchup with the Miami Dolphins in Week 1. Currently, Harris is dealing with a hand injury that has put him in a position to potentially miss the start of the NFL season.