The Damien Harris hype train has hit a delay.
The Patriots' second-year running back has missed New England's last two practices with a hand injury that might cause him to miss the team's season opener on Sept. 13, ESPN's Mike Reiss reported Thursday.
The injury is to Harris' pinkie finger and required recent surgery, per NFL Media's Ian Rapoport.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Boston sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
That's a significant development, as Harris has been a bright spot at Patriots training camp.
After appearing in just two games as a rookie in 2019, the third-round draft pick out of Alabama has performed well this summer to threaten Sony Michel for the starting job.
Curran: Harris flashes potential at Patriots training camp
New England Patriots
If Harris can't suit up Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins, he'll have to work even harder when he returns to carve out a spot in New England's crowded backfield.
Recent signing Lamar Miller was just activated off the Physically Unable to Perform list, while James White and Rex Burkhead complement Michel and Harris.