It's not often that you see a post-Pittsburgh Steelers success story after they leave the team, and Najee Harris could be the next victim. Pittsburgh let the running back walk in free agency after four years of being their top player at the position. He was their first-round pick in 2021, but he never lived up to expectations. Since leaving the Steelers, Harris has struggled to find his footing in the NFL.
Harris signed with the Los Angeles Chargers last year only to suffer a season-ending injury. He worked his way back this offseason and was signed by the New York Giants late in the summer. Week 2 of NFL action saw Harris finally get a helmet to prove his worth in New York. Sadly, for him, things didn't work out.
Few snaps were sent his way on offense, and the team imploded on Monday Night Football.
The Giants have plenty of running backs who are capable players, with Cam Skattebo being their lead rusher. With Skattebo's injury history, don't be shocked if the former Steelers running back gets a shot to make some bigger impacts as the campaign progresses. It was only Harris's first game back after his long return from injury, but it didn't go as planned for New York or the runner.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers RB Najee Harris' season debut after injury left a lot to be desired
Many believe New York blue could see a resurgence this year with a new era in town, but that has all come crumbling down after their recent game. Najee Harris didn't do much on the ground, and the Giants suffered injuries and a blowout loss. It all wasn't on Harris' shoulders. The reserve running back of the Giants only got four carries for a meager six yards on the ground.
You would have to imagine that the Giants will want to limit the number of hits Skattebo takes during a season to lengthen his career. Right now, he is on a path of destruction that will severely shorten his longevity. Having Harris on the roster will help that cause, and the former Steelers top draft pick should see an increase in opportunities, especially with Jaxson Dart getting injured.
It will be interesting to see if Harris eventually sees an elevated role on the Giants. He has talent, and that's why the Steelers invested a first-round pick in him five years ago. His issues stem from his inability to become a game changer. The back isn't going to break off a giant run or change the game on his own. He's more of a three-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust type of running back.
While time remains on Harris's side after his return from injury, things are starting to narrow regarding his chances to return to a starter in this league.
Expect Skattebo to be the top running back in New York, but he has a long list of injuries during his NFL career, forcing him to miss ten games. Any sort of setback for Skattebo will force Harris back into the spotlight. Najee needs to take advantage of every carry, unlike what he did in his first game suiting up for the Giants.
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