The New York Giants are releasing running back Najee Harris, a source told NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Harris, who is second on the team behind Cam Skattebo in rushing yards with 99 this season, got the start Sunday but had just four carries for 2 yards. That output ranked last of the six players who were credited with a carry for the Giants.
Skattebo, who began the season as the team’s top running back, has seen his workload reduced after fumbling four times. In Sunday’s loss to the New Orleans Saints, Skattebo did not have a single carry.
Despite having four running backs dressed for the game (Harris, Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary), the Giants got just 34 total rushing yards from the position.
After the game, a 34-27 home loss that dropped the Giants to 3-2-1, Harris expressed frustration with the team’s running back-by-committee approach.
“It’s hard to get into a rhythm with one or two runs,” Harris said Sunday. “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.”
Backup quarterback J.J. McCarthy led the team in rushing yards with 26 on Sunday after coming on in relief of Jameis Winston.
Coach John Harbaugh said he’s still looking for one of the team’s tailbacks to step up.
“All those guys were taking equal reps in the first half. We were trying to see who could make something happen, who could get a hot hand and earn it. Nobody has really taken the bull by the horns,” Harbaugh said Sunday. “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.”
Harris, 28, is in his sixth year in the NFL after being selected in the first round of the 2021 draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. After four years there, he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers but suffered a torn Achilles. Harris signed with the Giants this offseason.
