Damien Harris

According to ESPN Patriots Analyst Mike Reiss, Damien Harris enters the 2021 season as the "sure-fire No. 1 option" in the Patriots' backfield.

Fantasy Impact

Head coach Bill Belichick said recently, "[Harris] is off to a really good start in preparation for the season." Back at the end of June, Belichick talked extensively about Harris' work ethic, stating, "Damien works extremely hard at all phases -- certainly his conditioning and training, running game, passing game, protection, route running, catching the ball. He's got a lot of skill and he can contribute in a variety of ways, and he's looking to upgrade where he is in every area." Belichick doesn't normally open up like this, so to hear him speak so highly of a player shouldn't go unnoticed. The Patriots also drafted Rhamondre Stevenson 120th overall this season, so expect him to get some work this season, possibly overtaking Sony Michel. James White returns for his eighth season with the Patriots, and his role as the pass-catching back is as solidified as ever. Harris averaged 13.7 rush attempts per game in 2020 playing on an average of just 40% of the snaps. Expect both his snap share and rush attempts per game to increase this season. He should be square in the low-end RB2 conversation in half-PPR leagues, but more of a high-end RB3 in PPR leagues due to the lack of work in the passing game.

New England Patriots RB Damien Harris is reportedly being viewed as the team's decisive RB1 heading into the 2021 season, per beat reporter Mike Reiss.

Fantasy Impact

Harris enters his third season in the league and is rumored to have a decisive grasp on the lead running back role in the Patriots' backfield for 2021. The 24-year old has not yet played a full season due to various injuries but did produce a 5.0 YPC average on 137 carries across 10 starts for New England in 2020. The former University of Alabama running back is currently valued as the RB34 with an ADP of 80 in half-PPR redraft leagues. Should these rumors come to fruition this season, fantasy managers can draft a legitimate RB1 prospect in the back of the seventh round.

The Patriots have officially ruled out RB Damien Harris for Week 17 with an ankle injury.

Fantasy Impact

This will end the promising young RB's 2020 season. In 10 games Harris logged 691 yards and 2 TDs on 137 touches and looked to gain the trust of HC Bill Belichick. The backfield once again will be shared between Sony Michel and James White when the Pats take on the Jets Sunday afternoon.

Patriots RB Damien Harris (ankle) wasn't spotted in Friday's practice and is unlikely to play in Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Jets.

Fantasy Impact

Harris has missed the last two weeks due an ankle injury and is unlikely to play in the season finale. The Patriots were eliminated from the playoffs and could sit one of their top running backs. If Harris is unable to suit up, look for Sony Michel to be the primary back for the Patriots in Week 17.

Patriots RB Damien Harris (ankle) is inactive for Monday’s Week 16 contest against the Bills.

Fantasy Impact

Harris will miss his second consecutive game due to an ankle injury. He was a limited participant in practice throughout the week, but needs additional time to recover from his ankle issue. Sony Michel and James White will lead the Patriots backfield in Week 16.