Patriots assign rookie jersey numbers. What did N’Keal Harry take?

UPDATE: Per the Patriots team website, N’Keal Harry appears to be taking the No. 8.

The New England Patriots assigned numbers for their rookies ahead of their first preseason game against the Detroit Lions on Thursday. They also assigned a number to receiver Cameron Meredith, a recent free agent signing this week.

N’Keal Harry took the most notable jersey number: 10. That was Josh Gordon’s number in New England. Previously Gordon has played as 12 in Cleveland, but upon joining New England, he had to pick a new one, because Tom Brady wears 12. So since joining the Patriot, Gordon has worn 10. If Gordon returns — and he has reportedly applied for reinstatement from his suspension — he may have to again change his number. That said, these numbers are subject to change.

The Patriots’ preseason opener tonight means rookies have been assigned traditional numbers specific to their positions. These are always subject to change, with N’Keal Harry currently going from 50 to 10. Newly signed Cameron Meredith (PUP) is included on the list: pic.twitter.com/In1G53XyI2

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 8, 2019

Previously, the Patriots rookies get their number in accordance with their draft order starting at 50. Harry, the first selection in the 2019 draft class, got the number 50. Joejuan Williams, the second-round pick, got No. 51, and so on. However, Harry is not technically allowed to wear the No. 50 in a game, and so the Patriots are forced to assign number before the first preseason game.