Harris has a chance to carve out a complementary role behind lead back Rhamondre Stevenson heading into the 2023 season, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.
Barring any further additions to the backfield, the Patriots will have Harris compete with the likes of Ty Montgomery, J.J. Taylor and Pierre Strong for work behind Stevenson after the team let Damien Harris walk in free agency and then recently cut James Robinson. Harris, who logged 18 carries as a rookie in 2022, will look to emerge as an option to spell Stevenson on early downs, while the versatile Ty Montgomery and Strong may be more in the mix for third-down/change-of-pace touches. Per Lazar, Harris appears to be in "terrific shape" as the coming season approaches, and the 22-year-old has displayed "a noticeable extra burst this offseason."