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Buffalo Bills Receive Disheartening News Ahead of Sunday’s Contest Against the New England Patriots; Running Back Placed on IR – Week 7

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Alec Musa | Last updated 10/20/23

The Buffalo Bills escaped last Sunday’s primetime game against the New York Giants with a 14-9 win but without taking a hit to their running back room. Offseason acquisition and former Alabama Crimson Tide star Damien Harris suffered a neck injury in last Sunday’s tilt, needing to be carted off the field as the NFL world held their collective breaths. Fortunately for the Bills and Harris, the running back avoided any lifelong injury but was placed in the concussion protocol in preparation for Week 7. The 26-year-old failed to practice in any capacity leading up to his team’s clash with the Patriots and was ruled out for the contest earlier today. However, the running back received more tough news as the day progressed, being placed on the injured reserve (IR) and will now be out for at least the next four games.

He could return to the gridiron as early as November 19 against the New York Jets (Week 11). In a corresponding move, the Bills brought up practice squad running back Ty Johnson to the active roster.

Damien Harris: NFL Profile

Damien Harris, a former third-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2019, was brought into Buffalo this offseason to fill the shoes left by former lead back Devin Singletary. However, Harris struggled in his first season with the Bills, taking 24 carries for just 94 yards and one touchdown. The five-foot-eleven back started to lose touches to ten-year vet Latavius Murray as the change of pace back to starter James Cook.

Harris’ best season came in 2021 with the Pats, rushing for 929 yards (4.6 yards per attempt) and 15 touchdowns in 15 games. However, he has had just 556 rushing yards (4.3 yards per attempt) in his last 17 games.

Buffalo Bills: Running Back Group Ahead of Week 7

With Damien Harris down, the Buffalo Bills will lean more heavily on Latavius Murray and James Cook. Murray is struggling with efficiency, averaging just 4.1 yards per rush attempt, but has scored twice and has caught seven of his eight targets.

Meanwhile, Cook has been fantastic, averaging 5.7 yards per touch in six games. The Bills will also call up Ty Johnson to the active roster. The former New York Jet ran for 5.3 yards per rush attempt and one touchdown with the New York Jets in 2022.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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