Damon “Snacks” Harrison, defender of Green Bay Packers, practiced with his new team on Thursday and was able to play in the season finale on Sunday against the Chicago Bears.
The Packers claimed Harrison exemption from the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday. He was in the building and available Thursday.
“That’s a great pick-up for us, especially so late in the season,” said coach Matt LaFleur on Thursday. “That doesn’t happen often.”
Harrison, an All-Pro in 2016, was one of the most highly regarded run defenders in football for the past decade. He is now 32, but the Packers are still confident he can add value as a run defender as the playoffs get closer.
LaFleur wasn’t 100 percent sure Harrison would play 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 anyone, but then you are dealing with a real pro, a veteran who has been there and seen a lot. It’s just how quickly can we get him used to what we’re trying to do and what we’re asking of him. “
LaFleur said Harrison is a “blocking problem,” which made him well suited to the Packers line of defense, especially towards the point.
“I think he can give us a lot in terms of nose play,” said LaFleur. “He’s a really good run defender and he has been for a long time. I’m just excited to get him into the building. “
Harrison played six games and 138 snaps with the Seahawks, who took him out on Tuesday. The Packers tried to add him during the off-season and again during the season, but Harrison chose Seattle.
In Green Bay, Harrison will get another chance to play for a Super Bowl contender.
As a true nose gear or a technique, Harrison should play a fairly straightforward role for the defense line.
“Hopefully he can acclimate pretty quickly,” said LaFleur. “From what we have heard, he is a very intelligent man, he clearly has a lot of experience. That usually speeds up the learning curve for these guys. “