The news doesn’t sound all that encouraging for running back Damien Harris, who left Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury.

According to multiple reports, Harris is likely to miss multiple games due to the injury. Harris, who had four carries for 11 yards in the 29-0 win over the Lions, is reportedly still getting tests, but the expectation is that he’ll be out for awhile.

Rhamondre Stevenson took over at running back after Harris left, and rushed for 161 yards on 25 carries. Patriots Coach Bill Belichick sung his praises after the game, saying he loved him as a player and had “as much confidence as you could possibly have,” in Stevenson as a runner.

“He is always good. He does a great job with the ball in his hands,” said Belichick. “He is a strong runner, but he can make people miss. He is a really good football player … so glad we have him.”

Rookie Pierre Strong, a healthy scratch on Sunday, is on the roster, and could play a secondary role to Stevenson while Harris is out. Both J.J. Taylor and rookie Kevin Harris are on the practice squad, and could get called up against the Browns on Sunday to provide reinforcements.

Ty Montgomery is on IR and eligible to come off, but Belichick said Monday he didn’t think that would be likely.

THERE’S A SCHOOL of thought that the time off might ultimately prove beneficial for quarterback Mac Jones in terms of being able to sit back, take a breath and re-assess how he can be better when he returns.

Quarterbacks coach Joe Judge didn’t want to speak for the Patriots injured starter, who has missed the last two games, but did convey how much effort Jones was putting in to try to come back from his high ankle sprain, saying the former first-round pick has worked “tirelessly” to return.

“All I can speak on is how I see him work, and the attitude and enthusiasm for his team he brings every day,” Judge said during a video conference Tuesday. “So, this guy’s doing everything physically he can to get back on the field full time for us, doing everything possible he can to mentally prepare for the game.

“He comes in every day focused. He does a great job in meetings, he does a great job on the field, and what he can do when he’s out there with us. So, I’m very encouraged by how he’s working. We all know he’s doing everything he can to get back on the field.”

Jones, who was a limited participant in practice last week, was listed as “doubtful” before being ruled out Sunday against the Lions. He was still walking with a noticeable limp during practice.

Bailey Zappe, who started Sunday, said during a radio appearance Monday that Jones has been very helpful to him in his preparation.

“I ask him a lot of questions, because he has a whole year under his belt. He knows a lot more than I do,” Zappe said of Jones. “So being able to pick his brain about certain things, certain plays, certain coverages, and he always has a great answer for me. He’s been helping me a lot.”

ROSTER MOVE: With rookie Tyquan Thornton back on the active roster, and Jakobi Meyers returning from injury, the Patriots had a logjam at the wide receiver position.

To make room, the team announced the release of Lil’ Jordan Humphrey from the 53-man roster. In addition, they also released offensive lineman Sebastian Gutierrez from the practice squad.

Humphrey had started the season on the practice squad but was elevated to the active roster for the season opener and later signed to the active roster. Humphrey, who’s 24, played in five games with two starts. He caught two passes for 20 yards. He was primarily used for his blocking ability.

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