What to do with Damien Harris in Week 4 fantasy football

Game day update: The Patriots have activated Harris off injured reserve, per Doug Kyed. He will serve as a backup to James White and Rex Burkhead.

The New England Patriots travel to face the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday to close out Week 4, and they will be without running back Sony Michel. He was questionable due to a groin injury, but was downgraded to out on Monday morning.

His departure leaves the Patriots with James White, Rex Burkhead, and J.J. Taylor as their primary running backs. However, they could add another to the mix if they elect to activate Damien Harris off the injured reserve list.

Harris had pinkie surgery late in training camp and went on IR to open the season. He returned to practice this past week and is eligible to be activated for tonight’s game. Normally a team has to make an IR activation 24 hours prior to a game, but for teams playing on Monday, the decision can come on game day.

If Harris is activated for the game, it’s unclear what his role will be. He only appeared in two games last season and had four carries in that time. He’s not someone you’ll start in fantasy football, but he’s worth noting for the impact he could have on White and Burkhead. Both remain decent PPR options, especially with the game script potentially putting the Patriots into a pass-heavy attack if they fall behind early. Neither is a great standard option against the Chiefs.