Patriots Running Back Close To Return, Practiced Thursday


The New England Patriots have looked great over the past two weeks with rookie Quarterback Bailey Zappe running the show, and what's even more surprising is that the teams starting running back, Damien Harris, has also been out, along with 2021 Pro Bowl rookie Mac Jones. In Harris' place, Rhamondre Stevenson has looked every bit of a Pro Bowl running back, but after suffering a hamstring injury, Harris is closing in on a return, even taking full participation in Thursday's practice, which is a good indication that he's nearing a return.

This creates an interesting situation for Bill Belichick, as Stevenson has more than earned the starting role, and at this point, he's likely going to have to get both of them a significant amount of touches as they look to keep pace in the AFC East after fighting to get back to 3-3 on the year. The Patriots have a very winnable matchup with the Bears ahead in Week 7, and while it's unclear yet if Harris will return for that game, he's nearing a return, which is a major boost for New England.

Mac Jones could also be back in the coming weeks, so New England have plenty of big time decisions to make, but if Jones and Harris can play their best, these decisions will be good ones to make, as the team has enough talent to win games and battle for a playoff position in the crowded AFC.

Photo Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports