The New York Giants are releasing running back Najee Harris, a source told NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, two days after Harris spoke about his frustration with the club’s running-back-by-committee approach.
The Associated Press also reported the move, citing a source. A source told ESPN’s Jordan Raanan that Harris’ comments were not the reason for his release, ESPN reported.
Harris started Sunday’s 34-27 home loss to the New Orleans Saints, which dropped the Giants to 3-2-1, but had just four carries for 2 yards. That was the lowest output of the six Giants players credited with a carry.
He has 99 rushing yards this season, second on the team behind Cam Skattebo.
What Harris said
“It’s hard to get into a rhythm with one or two runs,” Harris said after the game. “The first couple runs you’ll be like: ‘OK, how are they playing me?’ And then the next ones will be like: This is how you attack it. But if you’re getting a play here and you get taken out for a series, there’s nothing you can do. That’s why I’m saying I don’t know. I’ve never been through this before.”
Read more: Giants sign running back Najee Harris
The Giants dressed four running backs against the Saints (Harris, Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary) but got just 34 rushing yards from the position. Skattebo, who began the season as the top back, did not have a carry on Sunday, with his workload cut after four fumbles, according to ESPN.
Coach John Harbaugh said after the game that he was still waiting for one of his backs to take charge.
“Nobody has really taken the bull by the horns,” Harbaugh 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. And when one of those guys steps up to be the back, then they’ll be the back.”
Career so far
Harris, 28, is in his sixth NFL season after the Pittsburgh Steelers took him in the first round of the 2021 draft. He spent four years in Pittsburgh, then signed with the Los Angeles Chargers but suffered a torn Achilles, before joining the Giants this off-season.
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