FOXBORO, Mass. — New England Patriots wide receiver N’Keal Harry made his return to the practice field ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Harry, who was placed on injured reserve before Week 1, practiced Wednesday for the first time since suffering a shoulder injury in New England’s second preseason game.
The 2019 first-round draft pick sported his new No. 1, having switched from No. 15 earlier this season.
“He’s been working,” fellow wideout Jakobi Meyers said before practice. “My guy, he’s always working, trying to be ready to go out there and perform. We missed him, happy to have him back out here.”
It’s unclear what role Harry will have once he is activated. He currently projects as New England’s No. 4 receiver behind Meyers, Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne but could, with his 6-foot-4, 225-pound frame and contested-catch ability, be an asset in the red zone, which has been a problem area for the Patriots this season.
The Patriots have scored touchdowns on just two of their eight red-zone trips through three games, the worst mark in the NFL.
Running back James White, who is expected to miss significant time with a hip injury, was the only Patriots player not present during the open media portion of Wednesday’s practice. Notable attendees included linebacker Josh Uche and offensive tackle Trent Brown, who missed last week’s loss to the New Orleans Saints with injuries, and linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley, who sat out the second half of that game.
Kickoff for Patriots-Bucs this Sunday is set for 8:20 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium.
