Green Bay Packers’ new defensive striker Damon “Snacks” Harrison trained with his new team on Thursday and could play Sunday at the end of the season against the Chicago Bears.
The Packers removed Harrison from the Seattle Seahawks exemptions on Wednesday. He was in the building and available on Thursday.
“It was a great achievement for us, especially at the end of the season,” said coach Matt LaFleur on Thursday. “It doesn’t happen very often.”
Harrison, an All-Pro in 2016, has been one of football’s most respected supporters for the past decade. He is 32 now, but the Packers are still confident that he can add value as a running defender as the playoffs approach.
LaFleur was not 100 percent sure that Harrison would play against the Bears, but the door is certainly open for him to make his Packers debut at Soldier Field.
“We’ll see how the week goes,” said LaFleur. “It is always difficult to ask someone, but then again, you are dealing with a true professional, a veteran out there who has seen a lot. It’s just how fast we can get him used to what we’re trying to do and what we’re asking him to do. ”
LaFleur said Harrison is a “problem to block”, which made him a good fit for the Packers defensive line, especially against the race.
“I think he can give us a lot in terms of playing the nose,” said LaFleur. “He’s a very good defender and has been for a long time. I am very excited to put you in the building. “
Harrison played six games and 138 snaps with the Seahawks, who dismissed him on Tuesday. The Packers tried to add it during the off-season and again during the season, but Harrison chose Seattle.
In Green Bay, Harrison will have another chance to play for a Super Bowl contender.
Like a true nose tackle or technique, Harrison must have a very direct role to the defensive line.
“Hopefully, it can acclimatize very quickly,” said LaFleur. “From what we’ve heard, he’s a very smart guy, obviously he has a lot of experience. This generally speeds up the learning curve for these guys. “