‘We’ve stayed on him’: Phillip Dorsett on how the Patriots are pushing rookie WR N’Keal Harry (Video)
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Phillip Dorsett and the Patriots know that rookie first-round pick N’Keal Harry can help them win games, perhaps right away. They also know what it takes to succeed in the NFL, and they’re making sure Harry does all he can to maximize himself.
Dorsett spoke to reporters in the Patriots locker room at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday, and said “I’ll be OK” when asked if he’ll be ready to play next Monday night against the New York Jets. Harry won’t be eligible to return until Week 9 at the earliest.
But the good news is Harry returned to practice on Tuesday, meaning he’s been designated to return from injured reserve. The Pats have 21 days to activate Harry, whom Bill Belichick interestingly said needs to prove that he’s ready physically as much as mentally.
May 23, 2019; Foxborough, MA: New England Patriots wide receiver N’Keal Harry catches a pass during organized team activities at Gillette Stadium practice field. (Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports)
Dorsett says he’s been on the front lines of pushing Harry behind the scenes and making sure he stays on the right track.
“We’ve stayed on him. I know I’ve stayed on him,” Dorsett said. “We talk to him about it every day, just making sure he’s in shape – mentally, physically, emotionally – making sure he’s ready to play.”
With injuries piling up at receiver and the Patriots possibly needing another playmaker on offense, Harry will be key to the direction the offense takes in the second half of the season. Barring a major trade, Harry could end up being the team’s big addition on that side of the ball.
“I want him to succeed just as much as I want to succeed, and at the end of the day, if he succeeds this team succeeds,” said Dorsett. “We all have one goal, we want to win, and he knows he can help us win.”
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
