N’Keal Harry ‘s second NFL chapter has taken an unfortunate turn before even beginning. The newly-acquired wideout for the Chicago Bears suffered an ankle injury which “appears severe,” reports ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
The injury was sustained yesterday, and Fowler adds that further evaluation will be needed to determine its severity. If he misses any significant time, though, it would represent a significant blow for the former first-rounder. In 33 games with the Patriots, including 18 starts, he totaled just 57 catches and less than 600 receiving yards.
Those numbers led to speculation that his tenure in New England could end before his rookie contract did. The free agent signings of Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne last offseason, along with the additions of Tyquan Thornton in the draft and DeVante Parker via trade this year, put the Arizona State product’s roster spot in jeopardy. The Patriots did indeed move on in July, sending Harry to the Bears for a 2024 seventh-round pick.
The 6-foot-4, 225-pounder would have had a much better chance at carving out a role for himself in Chicago, whose receiving corps lost Allen Robinson in free agency. Outside of Darnell Mooney, the rebuilding squad lacks established playmakers on the perimeter and will to turn to the likes of Byron Pringle and rookie Velus Jones Jr. in the event Harry misses significant time.
While it remains to be seen how severe the injury is, being sidelined for any notable duration would also have financial consequences for Harry. One season away from free agency, 2022 represented an opportunity to rebuild some of his value with a strong campaign in Chicago. While that may still be possible, the chances of him being able to to so have taken a significant hit.
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