The New York Giants are moving on from Najee Harris. According to reports, the team is releasing the running back. This decision comes right after a tough 34-27 home loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. That loss left the Giants with a 3-2-1 record.
The move marks the end of a short stint for the 28-year-old. Harris joined the Giants this offseason after playing for the Los Angeles Chargers. He was a first-round pick in 2021 by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Before his time in LA, he had four straight 1,000-yard seasons with Pittsburgh. However, his recent season has been far from that level of success. He has 99 rushing yards on the year so far.
A Struggling Run Game
The Giants’ ground game is in bad shape. During Sunday’s game, the team only managed 34 total rushing yards. This happened even though four backs, including Harris, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary, were dressed for the game. Harris himself had a very rough afternoon. Per Fox Sports, he had just two carries for 4 yards. That performance was among the worst on the unit.
The team is also dealing with inconsistency from other players. Cam Skattebo started the season as the lead back, but his role has dropped. The coaching staff reduced his usage after he fumbled. It is hard to build an offense when no one can hold onto the ball or find a rhythm.
Frustration In the Backfield
Harris wasn’t happy with how the offense used the players. After the game on Sunday, he spoke about the team’s rotation. “It’s hard to get into a rhythm with one or two runs,” Harris said Sunday. He explained that it is tough to adjust to a defense when you don’t get enough plays in a row. He noted that when you get taken out for a whole series, you can’t really attack the game.
While Harris voiced his feelings, ESPN‘s Jordan Raanan reported that his comments were not the reason the Giants cut him. The team is simply looking for more. Coach John Harbaugh is clearly searching for a leader in the backfield. He noted that the players were getting equal reps in the first half of the recent game. He said, “Nobody has really taken the bull by the horns,” on Sunday.
Looking For a New Leader
The Giants need someone to take over. Coach Harbaugh was blunt about the situation. He said, “One of those guys needs to step up. Somebody needs to step up and be the back. And none of those guys have done that yet.” The team is hoping someone will finally emerge as a true workhorse.
The roster will look different this weekend. The Giants head to Houston to play the Texans on Sunday, Oct. 25. It is not clear how the team will split carries between Skattebo, Tracy, and Singletary.
