N’Keal Harry’s restart within the NFL took months longer than initially deliberate due to an ankle harm, but it surely fittingly might come this week in opposition to his former crew.
The Chicago Bears huge receiver practiced in full all week main as much as Monday night time’s sport in Foxborough, Mass., in opposition to the New England Patriots, the crew that drafted Harry within the first spherical in 2019.
Harry was cleared to play in Week 6 in opposition to the Washington Commanders, however and not using a full week of apply, the Bears held him out. Coach Matt Eberflus wouldn’t say Saturday whether or not Harry will get a possibility in opposition to the Patriots, however Harry stated he’s comfy within the offense and able to go bodily if the Bears need him to play.
“I’m trying not to get too caught up in it being the Patriots and it being my former team,” Harry stated. “I’m obviously excited, excited to see some of my guys.”
After Harry totaled 57 catches for 598 yards and 4 touchdowns over three seasons with the Patriots, they traded him to the Bears this summer season for a 2024 seventh-round draft decide. Harry didn’t wish to delve an excessive amount of into what went unsuitable in New England.
“It could be a lot of different things that led into it,” he stated. “At the end of the day, I’m not worried about any of that. I’m worried about right now, going forward and helping this team win.”
Harry was in competitors to be a serious contributor for the Bears earlier than he suffered a left ankle harm in an Aug. 6 coaching camp apply after which underwent surgical procedure. He stated he had “no choice” however to be affected person as he rehabbed, however he lastly received an opportunity to get some good reps with quarterback Justin Fields this week.
“Over this past week, it has been good, getting out there, getting the reps, seeing the type of throws he likes to make, seeing the type of footballs I like to catch,” Harry stated.
Bears coaches stated they’re excited to see what they will get from one in every of their largest huge receiver choices at 6-foot-4, 225 kilos.
“There’s a little bit of the unknown, right? Because he just hasn’t been out there yet,” offensive coordinator Luke Getsy stated. “He’s getting better. He’s a smart player. In training camp he started giving us the flexibility of being able to put him in a bunch of different positions. Big, strong guy that we can use in a bunch of different ways. So I’m excited to see where he can go.”
It’s unclear how a lot of a task Harry would have in his first sport if he’s lively Monday. But he thinks he might be useful as he will get extra comfy within the offense.
“I just feel like I bring a big presence, a physicality,” Harry stated. “I can help with the run game. I can help with the downfield threat. I’m just excited to do my role and do my part.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com