The New England Patriots will likely roll out their first-round rookie wide receiver N’Keal Harry in Week 11 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
He spent the entire regular season on the injured reserve list and was eligible to play in Week 9 against the Baltimore Ravens, but the Patriots made him inactive before the game. He spoke to reporters on Thursday for the first time since the summer and reflected on his rookie season to this point.
“It feels great just getting out there with my team,” Harry said, transcribed by NESN. “Just getting better every day with them. Just looking for my role and the way to help my team.”
His outlook remained positive in the first half of the season and his knowledge will only help him improve as a player.
“I just looked at it as a blessing,” Harry continued. “I just looked at the positive things in it. God has done so much throughout my life. He’s put stepping stones in certain places. I just looked at it the same way.”
Tom Brady spoke about Harry’s injury and the tenacity that he brings on a daily basis.
“Unfortunately for N’Keal, he got hurt early in training camp,” Brady said. “He didn’t have the development when other guys were practicing for over two months. He’s working hard. He’s extremely hard-working. He wants to do it. He’s got a great edge about him. I really love that. I really love his tenacity and he’s learning every day, and he’s working hard to get better. I think that is all you can ask of a younger player.”
Harry sustained his injury in a preseason game against the Detroit Lions after getting hurt in joint practices earlier in the week. He spoke about the decision to play the preseason game, and why he doesn’t regret it.
“I don’t need to show anything,” Harry said. “Me going out there and playing hard and playing through stuff, that’s just the type of mentality I have. That’s just the type of mindset I grew up having. It wasn’t me trying to show anything, show toughness or anything. That’s just me.”
If Harry makes his debut in Week 11, the Patriots will have a revamped and extremely talented wide receiver corps.
