N’Keal Harry inactive for first game on Patriots’ 53-man roster

BALTIMORE — N’Keal Harry‘s debut must wait.

Harry was one of seven inactive Patriots for Sunday’s game at Baltimore. The first-round rookie wideout was activated off injured reserve on Saturday, having been shelved for the first eight weeks of the season with ankle injury. Harry filled an open roster spot the Pats carried for most of the week.

The 6-foot-4, 225-pound wide receiver has practiced the last three weeks, taking reps on offense, special teams and scout team. He was expected to give Tom Brady a big target out wide, but Harry has missed more practices than he’s participated in since the start of training camp. The Arizona State product was originally hampered by a hamstring injury he suffered in early August that kept him out for the rest of camp.

Bill Belichick was tight-lipped last week about Harry’s progress in practice.

“Good. I think he works hard,” Belichick said. “He’s worked hard at everything, special teams role, offense.”

Harry’s career playing time in the NFL still consists of three preseason snaps and two catches. He was ruled out Sunday with fellow rookie receiver Gunner Olszewski, who’s dealing with ankle and hamstring injuries.

Right guard Shaq Mason returned from a one-game absence due to an ankle injury. Running backs James White and Rex Burkhead were both available despite being listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report. Tight end Ryan Izzo was back after missing two games with a concussion.

Rookie running back Damien Harris and rookie cornerback Joejuan Williams have become staples of the inactives list and were again Sunday. Fifth-round rookie defensive lineman Byron Cowart made his return to the active roster.

Third-string quarterback Cody Kessler was inactive.

Tight end Matt LaCosse was the only player ruled out during the team’s travel day Saturday. LaCosse has missed three straight games with a knee injury and been inactive four times this season.

Down day for former Pats

It was a rough Sunday to be a former Patriot.

Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett was knocked out of Indianapolis’ 26-24 loss at Pittsburgh early with a knee injury. His replacement, Brian Hoyer, threw a 96-yard pick-six and lost a fourth-down fumble. At the end, Adam Vinatieri missed a potential game-winning field goal from 43 yards away.

In Carolina, Titans cornerback Malcolm Butler left his team’s 30-20 loss with a wrist injury. According to reports, Butler broke his wrist and surgery is likely in his future. Butler has two interceptions and nine pass breakups on the season.

It wasn’t all bad, though. Dolphins coach Brian Flores won his first game as a head coach, exactly nine months since his last win, the Patriots’ 13-3 triumph over the Rams in Super Bowl LIII.

Bye, bye, bye

Once they return from their upcoming bye, the Patriots will face their third straight opponent coming off an extended break. Prior to hosting the Pats in Week 11, Philadelphia will also be on its bye, just as the Ravens and Browns were the last two weekends.

In their final pre-bye game action Sunday, the Eagles held off the Bears, 22-14. Tight end Zach Ertz set game highs with nine catches and 103 receiving yards in Philly’s second straight win. The Nov. 17 meeting will mark the first time the Pats and Eagles have played in a non-preseason game since Super Bowl LII.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/33eRy5k