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New England Patriots running back Damien Harris left the team’s joint practice with the Las Vegas Raiders due to an undisclosed reason. It hasn’t been uncommon for players to get extra care with the training staff, but Harris is notable because he didn’t end up returning to practice.
We haven’t gotten an update on the issue that sidelined Harris, so it could be minor. The Patriots were having a joint practice with the Raiders, and even if he is just banged up, it isn’t worth it to risk further injury at this stage of the preseason. Harris also can’t really afford to miss practice. Second-year running back Rhamondre Stevenson is nipping at his heels for the starting position, and an absence could see him overtake Harris.
For those that play fantasy football, Harris is being drafted as the overall RB24 in half-PPR leagues, with Stevenson going as the RB35. Any time away would likely see Harris draft stock lower and Stevenson’s rise. The Patriots have said they intend to use both backs for all three downs so, at the very least, we know that Stevenson would likely see the biggest uptick in usage if Harris is sidelined for any amount of time.
These two teams are practicing together because they match up in their final preseason game on Friday, August 26 at 8:15 p.m. ET.