Damien Harris' Week 2 preseason debut showcased why he was steal for Patriots in 3rd round

The rookie running back showed how he can do it all on the field, which furthermore explains why Harris was a steal for the Patriots in the third round of the draft.

Saturday night's 22-17 preseason win over the Tennessee Titans presented an opportunity for New England Patriots rookie running back Damien Harris to make his NFL debut and showcase what he did in Alabama's backfield for three seasons - everything. 

Whether it was running with patience and power, or catching the ball out of the backfield, the Patriots' coaching staff didn't hesitate to feed the rookie in his first NFl game. Harris carried the ball 14 times for 80 yards and tacked on four catches for another 23 yards. He averaged 5.7 yards per carry and flashed everything that gave New England reason to draft him this past offseason despite already having a starting caliber running back in Sony Michel. Harris' debut was held back a week because of a minor hand/wrist injury suffered during camp, but it didn't seem to hold him back from being at game speed when his name was called Saturday night.

.@Patriots rookie RB Damien Harris gets free!@DHx34 | #NEvsTEN pic.twitter.com/RvQG7k8Ya5

— NFL (@NFL) August 17, 2019

"I looked at (this game) as my first opportunity to play with this team, so that's what I was excited about," Harris told the media postgame. "Last week was in the past, so that wasn't necessarily something I was necessarily  focusing on this week. So like I said, just being able to go out there this week and play with this guys and this team was really exciting."

With Michel, James White and Rex Burkhead above Harris on the depth chart (right now), it's tough to project what Harris' role will be this season. 

His versatility could help him jump over Burkhead, who is also versatile out of the backfield but lacks the explosion and vision that Harris obtains. If the rookie were to leap him, then he could potentially see a lot of short-yardage/goal line work going forward. It seems like a role that would be very fitting for him. Josh McDaniels could also sprinkle him in on early downs to take advantage of his skillset on passing downs and when Michel needs some rest. 

For now, Harris will likely garner plenty of carries over the next couple of weeks as Nick Brossette seems to be the only other RB that will receive carries this preseason since Michel, White and Burkhead have been receiving veteran rest in the August exhibition games. Harris' opportunities will be plentiful which will hopefully solidify a clearer role for him come September. 

"I've learned a lot not just from (Sony Michel, James White and Rex Burkhead) but from everybody," Harris said. "The players, (veterans), I'm just trying to learn as much as I can. Every day when I walk in the building I try to be a sponge, try to get as much information as possible to be the best player that I can be for this team."