Report: Patriots optimistic Damien Harris will be ready against Cowboys

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The New England Patriots had ten players listed on their final injury report of the week, with eight of them classified as questionable to play against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. Among the was Damien Harris, but according to a report by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport there appears to be optimism within the organization that the Patriots’ third-year running back will be good to go.

Harris, who is leading the team in rushing attempts (63), yards (230) and touchdowns (2), was limited all week in practice due to a rib ailment. He suffered the injury during last week’s game against the Houston Texans — a contest that saw him depart twice due to medical issues.

When Harris was down against Houston, the Patriots turned to rookie Rhamondre Stevenson and veteran Brandon Bolden. The two combined to gain 48 yards on 13 carries. Fellow running back J.J. Taylor, meanwhile, was inactive; James White will miss the rest of the season on injured reserve.

Getting Harris back would therefore be a boost to the team’s running back depth and offense as a whole, even though his eventual workload and impact on the game against the Cowboys remains to be seen.

The same is true for the other seven questionables: J.J. Taylor (groin), offensive tackle Justin Herron (abdomen), linebackers Ronnie Perkins (ankle) and Kyle Van Noy (groin), cornerbacks Jonathan Jones (ankle) and Jalen Mills (hamstring) and kicker Nick Folk (left knee). Guard Shaq Mason (abdomen) and cornerback Shaun Wade (concussion) have already been ruled out.

As for the Cowboys, they are expected to have at least four of their six questionable players available, per Rapoport. Running back Ezekiel Elliott (ribs), offensive tackle Tyron Smith (neck), defensive end Randy Gregory (knee) and cornerback Trevon Diggs (ankle) should be ready for the game as well.

The 2-3 Patriots will host the 4-1 Cowboys on Sunday, with the contest set to be kicked off at 4:25 pm ET.