Bills coach says Damien Harris has full movement after neck injury

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Buffalo Bills running back Damien Harris was taken off the field in an ambulance and transported to a local hospital after suffering a neck injury Sunday night against the New York Giants.

Coach Sean McDermott stated that Harris has full movement in his body and his scans have been positive so far.

“Things are heading in a good direction for Damien,” McDermott said after Buffalo’s 14-9 victory.

Harris was injured in the second quarter while rushing the football on third-and-1 from the Buffalo 34-yard-line. He took a hit to the neck area from Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke and was also impacted by the Bills’ right guard O’Cyrus Torrence. Despite the hit, Harris tried to continue running, but the impact forced him to the ground.

Medical personnel and Bills athletic trainers attended to Harris on the field for several minutes, with the entire Bills sideline forming a supportive circle around him. Harris was then loaded into the ambulance, giving a thumbs-up sign with his left hand as a sign of reassurance. The Bills later announced that he had movement in his arms and legs and was undergoing further testing at the hospital.

The emotional impact of the incident was evident among the team, with left tackle Dion Dawkins expressing his concern and highlighting the human aspect of the game. Dawkins shared that Harris recently learned he was having a boy, which added to the gravity of the situation.

Harris, known for his upbeat personality and excited discussions about his growing family, had arrived at the game wearing a distinct blue sweater and pants with blue accents.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen also spoke about the loss of Harris, emphasizing his contributions to the team and the unique running style he brought to the offense. Allen expressed his hopes for Harris’s recovery and extended his prayers to him and his family.

In the same game, Allen himself sustained an injury to his right throwing shoulder in the second quarter. However, scans later revealed that his shoulder was not affected and McDermott confirmed that all results were normal.

The carry on which Harris was injured marked his first offensive snap of the game. Prior to the injury, he had been the team’s lead kickoff returner. Harris, in his first season with the Bills after signing in free agency, quickly acclimated to the team and had a successful offseason. He had previously played for the New England Patriots for four years.

Entering Sunday’s game, Harris had recorded 22 carries for 93 yards and a touchdown, as well as two receptions for 16 yards. Selected in the third round of the 2019 draft out of Alabama, Harris has made a positive impact for the Bills this season.