Finally, Damien Harris got his opportunity and he made the most of it.
After only playing in two games as a rookie last season and then starting the year on IR this year, the 2019 third-round pick made his debut Monday in Kansas City against the Chiefs and was a major bright spot in the 26-10 loss.
The Alabama product rushed for 100 yards on 17 carries, including a 41-yarder in the second half.
“There’s definitely a lot of emotions coming out of that game,” Harris said via video conference after the game. “You know, first and foremost, we didn’t win the game and that’s what’s most important. We didn’t play well enough, so that was disappointing. There’s a lot of things to work on and to improve on.
“But it was it was excited getting back out there with the guys. It’s been a long time coming, and I’m looking forward to playing with this group of guys on this team for a long time now. So, just being able to be out there with those guys that work so hard day in and day out, especially the offensive line. It was truly an honor to be out there with those guys. The O-line, they blocked and blocked their butts off today. They opened up some holes and they made life a little easy for me today.”
With Sony Michel now on injured reserve, Harris showed he's deserving of being the lead back until he returns, and potentially even beyond.
“Definitely sore already, but that was expected,” Harris said. “This was my first real action in a long, long time. It was definitely great to get back out there. But now, it’s just about recovering and getting myself ready for our next challenge.”
