So Harris, a senior who enters this season with a chance to become the leading rusher in school and Atlantic Coast Conference history, went for another opinion, and then another.

After consulting with Thomas Gill, the Red Sox’ medical director, a small lateral tear in the meniscus of his left knee, which had been surgically repaired last November, was found.

Harris underwent an arthroscopic procedure on Wednesday, and expects to miss the Eagles’ first two games, against Northwestern and Central Florida.

Harris came into training camp last week declaring he was ready to resume a college career filled with highlights.

BC took a cautious approach. In the opening scrimmage, Harris made only a brief appearance.

And while there were no obvious clues, and an MRI on the knee showed no new injuries, Harris went with how he felt.

“After I did some [drills] it would swell up again, so we went in and found out what the problem was,’’ he said.

“They found a tear and they cleaned some debris. It was a new injury. I could have still played on it, but I wanted to make sure I was going to help the team 100 percent.’’

There will be no rush to return. “I’m taking it slow right now,’’ said Harris, who will be on crutches for a few days before he starts riding a bike and jogging. “I hope to be back no later than the third game [against Duke Sept. 17].’’

Harris has the option of redshirting if his rehab is slower than expected, but right now that’s not under consideration.

“We obviously have to wait until he is clear,’’ said coach Frank Spaziani. “We will check where he is at and see how it goes.’’

With Andre Williams, Tajh Kimble, and Rolandan Finch, the Eagles have depth at running back. “Everybody has to step up,’’ said Finch, who rushed for 66 yards and scored two touchdowns in Wednesday’s scrimmage.

Spaziani did not want to minimize the loss of Harris. “Make no mistake, not having Montel is a major hiccup,’’ he said. “But we are where we have to be, where any program has to be. We have some quality guys who now have to step up.’’

The Eagles wrapped up their last two-a-day practice sessions yesterday . . . The third scrimmage of camp will be held tomorrow afternoon . . . With starting left guard Nathan Richman still experiencing back problems, Spaziani said redshirt freshman Bobby Vardaro will get more reps with the first team . . . Wide receiver Colin Larmond Jr. was back at practice after missing Wednesday’s scrimmage when his surgically repaired left knee flared up . . . Cornerback Donnie Fletcher (back) is day to day.

Mark Blaudschun can be reached at blaudschun@globe.com.