According to head coach Sean McDermott, Buffalo Bills running back Damien Harris has been released from the hospital and is resting at home. He is in the concussion protocol and has a neck sprain but has avoided any career-altering injuries. Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the running back has complete movement in his arms and legs. Harris left last night’s primetime matchup against the New York Giants after taking a hit late in the second quarter. The Alabama product got stretchered into an ambulance before being taken to the hospital. Williams registered just the lone carry before departing. The Buffalo Bills went on to win the game, 14-9.
GREAT NEWS: Source says that #Bills RB Damien Harris, who was taken to a local hospital last night, has full movement in his extremities and suffered what I’m told is a “neck sprain,” but “is otherwise good.”
Essentially the best case scenario after a very scary moment in… pic.twitter.com/rlZHuRBChr
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 16, 2023
Damien Harris: NFL Career
Damien Harris signed a one-year, $1.7 million contract with the Buffalo Bills this offseason. The former third-round pick spent his first four seasons with the New England Patriots, rushing for 2,094 yards and 20 touchdowns in 38 games. His best season came in 2021 when he ran for 929 yards and 15 scores in 15 games.
The Bills brought Harris to Buffalo to fill the shoes left by now Houston Texan Devin Singletary. The 26-year-old has played second fiddle to James Cook, rushing for 94 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries. He has also caught both of his targets for 16 yards. Meanwhile, Cook has looked great, rushing for 363 yards and one touchdown on 75 carries. The second-year pro has also tallied 14 receptions.
Buffalo Bills RB Room if Damien Harris is OUT
Latavius Murray should receive an elevated workload if Damien Harris misses time. Murray, a ten-year pro from UCF, has run for 128 yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries this season. He welcomed 12 rush attempts in Sunday’s win. Additionally, Dual-threat quarterback Josh Allen could use his legs more if Harris is out.
The Buffalo Bills could elevate running back Ty Johnson from the practice squad with the potential of Harris’ absence. Johnson spent the past two years with the New York Jets, rushing for 398 yards and three touchdowns on 4.4 yards per rush attempt. The five-foot-ten back looked good in the preseason, rushing for 51 yards on eleven carries.
