N’Keal Harry’s restart within the NFL took months longer than initially deliberate due to an ankle damage, nevertheless it fittingly may come this week towards his former crew.
The Chicago Bears vast receiver practiced in full all week main as much as Monday evening’s sport in Foxborough, Mass., towards the New England Patriots, the crew that drafted Harry within the first spherical in 2019.
Harry was cleared to play in Week 6 towards the Washington Commanders, however with out a full week of follow, the Bears held him out. Coach Matt Eberflus wouldn’t say Saturday whether or not Harry will get a chance towards 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 making an attempt to not get too caught up in it being the Patriots and it being my former crew,” Harry stated. “I’m clearly excited, excited to see a few 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 choose. Harry didn’t need to delve an excessive amount of into what went improper in New England.
“It may very well be numerous various things that led into it,” he stated. “On the finish of the day, I’m not anxious about any of that. I’m anxious about proper now, going ahead and serving to this crew win.”
Harry was in competitors to be a significant contributor for the Bears earlier than he suffered a left ankle damage in an Aug. 6 coaching camp follow after which underwent surgical procedure. He stated he had “no alternative” however to be affected person as he rehabbed, however he lastly bought an opportunity to get some good reps with quarterback Justin Fields this week.
“Over this previous week, it has been good, getting on the market, getting the reps, seeing the kind of throws he likes to make, seeing the kind of footballs I wish to catch,” Harry stated.
Bears coaches stated they're excited to see what they'll get from certainly one of their largest vast receiver choices at 6-foot-4, 225 kilos.
“There’s just a little little bit of the unknown, proper? As a result of he simply hasn’t been on the market but,” offensive coordinator Luke Getsy stated. “He’s getting higher. He’s a sensible participant. In coaching camp he began giving us the pliability of having the ability to put him in a bunch of various positions. Large, robust man that we are able to use in a bunch of various methods. So I’m excited to see the place he can go.”
It’s unclear how a lot of a job Harry would have in his first sport if he's energetic Monday. However he thinks he could be useful as he will get extra comfy within the offense.
“I simply really feel like I deliver a giant presence, a physicality,” Harry stated. “I will help with the run sport. I will help with the downfield menace. I’m simply excited to do my function and do my half.”
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