By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
FOXBORO, Mass. -- Patriots rookie wide receiver N'Keal Harry spoke to reporters for the first time since training camp in the locker room on Thursday. Almost every reporter and cameraperson in the room camped at Harry's locker for so, so much longer than the rookie actually spoke.
But Harry fielded a handful of questions about his rookie season so far, which has been a challenging one. The first-round pick flashed for a couple of plays in the preseason opener before having to leave with hamstring and ankle injuries, and hasn't seen the game field since. He started the season on injured reserve and wasn't eligible to play in a game until Week 9 at the Ravens.
Harry suffered a hamstring injury during the week prior to the preseason opener and attempted to play through it. He didn't regret pushing himself because that's just the kind of player he is, and he wasn't necessarily trying to show anyone that he can tough it out through an injury.
"No, I don’t have any regrets," Harry said. "I don’t need to 'show' anything. Going out there and playing hard, playing through stuff, that’s just the type of mentality I have and that’s just the type of mindset I grew up having. So, it wasn’t me trying to show toughness or anything, that’s just me."
Despite the disappointment of aggravating injuries and missing the first half of the season, Harry's inherent competitiveness and toughness could be a good sign for his long-term future and potential to come through in a big moment. His first big one could come as soon as Sunday in Philadelphia against the Eagles.
Teammate Mohamed Sanu hopes to see great things out of the rookie, and sounds confident that Harry has the talent to make an impact sooner rather than later.
"He’s a special kid," Sanu said. "He’s just [going to] go and be himself and let his abilities take over, don’t think too much, have fun. He’ll be good."
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 [email protected].