New England Patriots receivers coach Joe Judge admitted that rookie wideout N’Keal Harry has been forced to prove himself largely in the meeting rooms and off the football field.

It’s clear that Harry, who was not available to the media on Monday and has been nursing physical limitations for three weeks, hasn’t been able to participate much in practice.

“The focus with N’Keal is, he’s working with the trainers on everything they ask him too. He’s been doing everything in the classroom and progressing every day. He can only improve on what he can work on,” Judge said on Monday at Gillette Stadium. “And as far as my exposure with him, he’s coming to work with a clear head. He’s very motivated and he’s engaged mentally in everything we’re doing.”

Per reporters on the scene, Harry was present for the second straight padded practice for the media portion of warmups on Monday. But it seems as though the 2019 first-round pick is moving gingerly, and isn’t getting the reps he so badly needs. He pulled up with an injury during joint practices against the Detroit Lions on Aug. 6. He then played three snaps with two receptions in the preseason game against the Lions, but on the second reception, he came up limping after getting his legs tangled with a Detroit defender. It’s unclear if it was a separate issue or an aggravation of the previous issue. Regardless, Harry hasn’t played a single preseason snap since.

In the meantime, Judge remains impressed with Harry’s work ethic.

“I think it’s just little things day to day sitting in the meeting rooms,” Judge said. “The insightful things he’s asking: Why did this guy make an adjustment here? Could he do the same thing in his role? He’s kind of trying to look deeply into the details and that’s been a positive. Again, there’s still a lot of big-picture things that all these rookies have to capture of our overall offense. But really, the difference between the young guys is the details and that’s what he’s been focused on.”

Harry faces significant competition if he intends to contribute for the Patriots in 2019. His limitations are particularly tough because they came while Julian Edelman, Demaryius Thomas and Josh Gordon weren’t practicing. In the absence of those players, who have returned and figure to be above Harry on the depth chart, Harry would have gotten more work with Tom Brady. When Harry does get to participate more in practice, he’ll have to work beneath those three veterans. Above all, that on-field work is paramount for a young player like Harry.

“That’s just the nature of it,” Judge said. “And that’s for everyone. Rookie, vet — it doesn’t matter. You miss out on this part of the season, it’s tough. There’s a natural setback. But you’ve got to mentally fight to stay engaged. You’ve got to get the mental reps, as we say. And physically when you get back, you’ve got to push as hard as you can to catch up.”