FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Sunday will be strange for David Harris as he returns to MetLife Stadium.
It’ll be weird when he’s in the visiting locker room. Then the game will start and he’ll be on the opposing sideline watching the New York Jets and several players he still calls friends.
After spending 10 seasons with the Jets, this veteran linebacker finds himself on the other side of the rivalry.
That’s the NFL,” said Harris. “Have to put personal feelings behind you and go out there and try to do your job.”
For Harris, he hopes for a chance to get on the field and do his job. So far, the 33-year-old’s impact hasn’t been seen on the field.
The linebacker has played in three games, logging just seven defensive snaps and one assisted tackle. It’s a far cry from what Harris was used to as one of the most productive linebackers in the NFL over the past decade. Last year, he made 95 tackles on 900 defensive snaps for the Jets. Over the past 10 years, Harris made 1,087 total tackles.
“I’m trying to do everything I’m asked to do and trying to be ready if my number is called,” Harris said. “That’s all I can do as a professional player.”
Although Harris hasn’t been on the game field the last two weeks, it doesn’t mean he hasn’t helped off the field. Dont’a Hightower says the knowledge that he’s brought has been invaluable, and despite the limited playing time, Harris remains positive around his teammates.
“I think that says a lot about him, not just as a football player, but a person as well,” Hightower said. “A younger kid tries to take food out of his kids’ mouth, but David doesn’t see it as that. He’s taking it as a Patriot. He’s taking it for what it is and what it’s worth.
“It’s a long season. You never know what’s going to happen or when his name is going to be called. One thing’s for certain, whenever his number is called, David is going to be ready.
“It’s not going to be ‘can he still do it’ or ‘is he capable of doing it?’ Everything is there. He’s keeping a positive mindset. I know myself and the younger guys appreciate what he does and what he brings to this team.”
Harris is behind Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Elandon Roberts and Marquis Flowers on the depth chart. His role is different this season, but according to Hightower, Harris has been like another coach off the field to the younger players.
“I’m saying like defensive coordinator-type stuff,” Hightower said.
The last time Harris wasn’t a full-time starter was his rookie season in 2007. He still finished with 127 tackles and five sacks.
He said despite his lack of playing time, he has enjoyed his time in Foxborough.
“It’s been amazing just seeing how everything works here and just how everybody works hard,” Harris said. “Everybody is dedicated to winning. You always heard different things about the Patriots from the outside, but it’s a lot different once you are actually here and a part of it. Attention to detail is amazing here, and I appreciate that.”
The Patriots added some experience to their practice squad on Thursday, signing tight end Will Tye and linebacker Trevor Reilly.
Tye started this season with the New York Jets, catching four passes for 38 yards in three games. He played all 16 games last season with the Giants, finishing with 48 receptions for 395 yards.
Reilly was on the Patriots’ practice squad last season before being claimed by the Miami Dolphins.
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