The New York Giants released running back Najee Harris on Tuesday, two days after he criticized the team's rotation following a loss to the Saints. Harris averaged 3.2 yards per carry in five games.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
The New York Giants released running back Najee Harris on Tuesday, according to multiple reports. The move came 48 hours after Harris voiced frustration with the team's running-back-by-committee approach following a 34-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
Harris, 28, started the game against the Saints but received only four carries for two yards. In the locker room afterward, he questioned the difficulty of establishing a rhythm with limited touches.
"It's hard to get into a rhythm with one or two plays," Harris said, as reported by The Athletic and CBS Sports. "If you're getting a play here and then get taken out for a series, there's nothing you could do. I've never been through none of this before."
Harris signed with the Giants late in training camp, according to AP News. In five games this season, he rushed for 99 yards on 31 carries, averaging 3.2 yards per attempt. This average was the lowest of his six-year NFL career, which began with four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Harris was coming off a torn left Achilles tendon suffered with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025.
Giants head coach John Harbaugh addressed Harris’s comments on Monday. Harbaugh stated he understood and respected the frustration but emphasized that playing time must be earned through performance.
"I would love for us to be in that kind of a circumstance, you know: a Derrick Henry circumstance or the Saquon Barkley circumstance or whatever it might be," Harbaugh said. "That would be great. And our run game hasn't earned that yet. And none of those guys have."
Harbaugh added that the rotation was a result of the running backs not yet establishing themselves as the clear lead option. "My advice would be to any player, it's all the guys. ... Do the most you can with the opportunities you get. Make the most of those opportunities, and you're sure to get more opportunities," Harbaugh said.
The release of Harris leaves the Giants with Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr., and Devin Singletary at running back. Skattebo, the team's leading rusher this season with 294 yards, was benched for the Saints game after fumbling in overtime during a Week 5 tie against the Washington Commanders.
"I got punished for what I did. I understand it, so I gotta be ready when coach calls my name, and that wasn't today," Skattebo said, according to The Athletic.
In addition to Harris, the Giants released veteran outside linebacker Jihad Ward and signed Trace Ford to the active roster off the practice squad. The Giants, who lead the NFC East with a 3-2-1 record, will next play the Houston Texans.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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