N’Keal Harry reportedly expected to return to Patriots practice this week
The 2019 first-round pick was placed on Injured Reserve before the season began.
Some receiving help is coming Tom Brady’s way.
The Patriots expect rookie wide receiver N’Keal Harry back at practice this week, according to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Harry, who was selected by the Patriots in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, was placed on Injured Reserve before the regular season due to an ankle injury. The IR placement ruled Harry out for the first eight weeks of the season. This week is the first week he’s eligible to return to practice, though he won’t be eligible to play until the Patriots’ Week 9 matchup against the Ravens.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick told reporters on a conference call Monday morning that the team plans to have Harry return to practice this week “if he’s ready.”
“Physically he needs to be able to show he can go out there and participate competitively at the practice level that we’re at,” Belichick said. “Hopefully that’s where he’ll be, but we’ll make our final evaluations on that before we put him out there.”
New England can activate Harry off IR by using one of their two available designated to return slots. Offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn is the likely candidate for the second slot, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss. Wynn isn’t eligible to return until the Patriots’ Week 11 matchup against the Seahawks.
Harry’s return would be a much-needed boost to a crippled Patriots receiving corps. Julian Edelman and Josh Gordon have battled chest and leg injuries, respectively, to start the season. Antonio Brown’s release and Rob Gronkowski’s retirement have also raised question marks as to whether or not Brady has strong-enough targets to throw to this season.
Harry recorded two catches for 36 yards in the only preseason game he played in.
