Green Bay Packers’ new defensive lineman Damon “Snacks” Harrison played with his new team on Thursday and could play in the season finale on Sunday against the Chicago Bears.
The Packers claimed Harrison’s resignation from the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday. He was in the building and available on Thursday.
“It’s a big pick-up for us, especially at the end of the season,” coach Matt LaFleur said Thursday. “That doesn’t happen very often.”
Harrison, a 2016 All-Pro, was one of the most acclaimed football defenders of the last decade. He is now 32 years old, but the Packers are still confident he can add value as a defender as the playoffs approach.
LaFleur wasn’t 100% sure Harrison would play against the Bears, but the door is definitely open for the Packers to debut at Soldier Field.
“We’ll see how the week goes,” LaFleur said. “It’s always hard to ask someone, but again you’re dealing with a real professional, a veteran who has been around and seen a lot. Just how quickly we can adapt it to what we are trying to do and what we ask it to do. “
LaFleur said Harrison was a “blocking problem,” which made him a good fit for the Packers’ defensive line, especially against the race.
“I think he can give us a lot when it comes to nose play,” LaFleur said. “He is a very good defender and he has been for a very long time. I’m just excited to take him to the building. “
Harrison played six games and 138 photos with the Seahawks, who gave up on Tuesday. The Packers tried to add him out of season and again during the season, but Harrison chose Seattle.
In Green Bay, Harrison will have another chance to play for a Super Bowl competitor.
As a real nose attack or a technique, Harrison should have a fairly direct role for the defensive line.
“Hopefully it can adjust pretty quickly,” LaFleur said. “What I heard is a really smart guy, obviously he has a lot of experience. This usually speeds up the learning curve for these guys. “