The New York Giants are releasing running back Najee Harris, reports NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, marking the latest shakeup in a crowded and underperforming backfield.
Harris had voiced clear frustration after Sunday’s 34-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints, where he started but managed just four carries for two yards. The remaining backs combined for 14 carries and 34 yards, with Tyrone Tracy Jr. leading the group.
Harris described the multi-back rotation as “extremely frustrating,” explaining that running backs, like quarterbacks, need rhythm to diagnose defenses and attack effectively.
“It’s hard to get into a rhythm with one or two runs,” he said. “If you’re getting a play here and you get taken out for a series, there’s nothing you can do.”
He added that he felt physically ready after returning from a torn Achilles and that the Giants were often “just one block away.”
Head coach John Harbaugh acknowledged the ground game has been “not very good” and that no back has stepped up to seize the role despite equal early opportunities. On Monday, Harbaugh said he would “love” a “Derrick Henry circumstance or a Saquon Barkley circumstance.“
"Our run game hasn’t earned that yet, and none of those guys have," Harbaugh said.
His advice to Harris and the others was simple: “Go out there and take the job when you get the ball.”
Harris, a four-time 1,000-yard rusher with the Steelers who signed a one-year deal in August after a brief Chargers stint, joined Cam Skattebo, Tracy and Devin Singletary in a room that has averaged 3.8 yards per carry.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Report: New York Giants releasing RB Najee Harris