Packers’ Harris Out For The Year With Knee Injury

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Green Bay Packers starting running back DuJuan Harris is out for the year after injuring his right knee last week against the Seattle Seahawks.

Harris said Tuesday he hurt the patella tendon and hoped to have surgery soon as he heads to injured reserve status. He hurt the same knee during the offseason.

The knee appeared to bother Harris after he was flipped over near the sideline by a defender during the 17-10 preseason loss Friday night to Seattle. Harris said the knee was troubling him before that play.

"I kind of knew it. But I didn't think it was going to be season-over trouble," he said. "But it's for the best. If it's for the best and better long-term, hey, I'm all for it."

Harris wasn't sure about his timeline as of Tuesday afternoon, but suggested it might take about six months to recover. He was one of four Packers placed on injured reserve Tuesday, the deadline to trim rosters to 75.

Coach Mike McCarthy was a big supporter after the running back secured the starting job down the stretch last season with 157 yards and two touchdowns in four games. Harris was signed to the practice squad in October and joined the active roster in December following a slew of injuries in the backfield.

But 2013 has been tough without Harris ever seeing a regular season snap.

In June, a team physical revealed Harris had a fist-sized cyst on his lung. It was drained and removed the next day, and Harris returned home the following day. It was the only other time he had undergone surgery in his career.

The loss of Harris potentially means more carries for second-round draft pick Eddie Lacy out of Alabama. He and Harris were being counted on to solidify the running game.

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