1. Patriots third-round pick, running back Damien Harris has only been active for two games this season, and only has four carries — all coming in garbage time against the Jets a few weeks back. It is likely tough for Harris not to be part of the action considering he was a high selection, but he can look at James White, who had a similar rookie year and is now one of the most important players on the Patriots roster. White, who was selected in the fourth round in 2016, was behind LeGarrette Blount, Jonas Gray, Shane Vereen and Brandon Bolden on the depth chart, so only played in three games. "We talk to all the rookies and give them knowledge with how you started your career and things of that nature. His just happens to be very similar to mine," White said this week. "I talk to him and tell him to stay level-headed, work hard and eventually your time will come." Certainly an injury could change things quickly, so Harris has to continue to prepare like he's going to play in each and every game. "He is an athletic guy, strong. He can do everything you need him to do — run, block, catch," White said. "I was in a similar position as him my rookie year, so it is just working hard during practice, continuing to get better and being ready for whenever your number is called." The one notable difference is White was, and still is, primarily a pass-catching back, while Harris is more known for his running ability. It is easier for runners to get integrated into offenses opposed to pass-catchers.
2. Harris is behind Sony Michel, Rex Burkhead, White and Bolden on the depth chart, and if things continue the way they have, it is worth wondering if Harris will start to get some cracks over Michel. Of Michel's 140 carries this year, 52 (37 percent) have gone for one yard or less. While the Patriots' offensive line has not been great, this reflects more poorly on Michel.
3. Josh Gordon was officially released and claimed by Seattle late in the week and the move pretty much says the Patriots wanted to simply release him a few weeks ago, but couldn't because he was injured. It also worked out for them that since it was past the trade deadline, he was subject to waivers and he couldn't just sign with a contender in the AFC. It didn't really matter, as he is now in Seattle. His relationship with Russell Wilson could make it a nice fit.
4. Like pretty much the rest of the league, the Patriots did not make a deadline move last week. Based on what Bill Belichick said, they weren't close on anything either. Perhaps O.J. Howard was a target in Tampa Bay, but the Bucs made it pretty clear they were not moving him unless they were overwhelmed by a deal. That likely would have been a first-round pick and there was no chance the Patriots were giving up a first-rounder for Howard, especially after dealing away their second-rounder a week before for Mohamed Sanu.
5. When meeting with the media this past week, first-year inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo acknowledged for the first time publicly that one day he wants to be a NFL head coach. This comes following him appearing on a NFL Media list of young coaches who have the potential of one day being a head coach. Special teams/wide receivers coach Joe Judge was also on the list, but when asked about it he said he was solely focused on the Ravens.
6. Special teamer Justin Bethel was a popular player in the locker room this week as he gifted players old-school Starter jackets just in time for the cooler weather in New England. A number of players wore them and they seemed to be a big hit. Bethel and Matthew Slater make up one of the best special teams tandems in the entire NFL. The three-time Pro Bowler was acquired two weeks ago after the Ravens cut him so they would get a compensatory pick next offseason.
7. The Patriots will be on their bye this coming week, but unlike some teams, they won't be off the entire week. Expect the team to get at least Thursday-Sunday off and then be back to work early next week to prepare for Week 11's game in Philadelphia against the Eagles. This will be the Patriots' last extended break until likely wild card weekend, as things are trending towards them once again getting a first-round bye.
