Giants Release Najee Harris Amid Running Back Struggles

The New York Giants are facing a challenge in identifying their primary running back. Two days following criticism of the coaching staff’s game plan, Najee Harris was released from the team after a lackluster performance. Harris had managed only four carries for two yards.

Najee Harris was brought into training camp due to struggles by Tyrone Tracy. He started last Sunday’s game because Cam Skattebo was benched following a costly fumble the previous week. During the game, Skattebo participated in six snaps but didn’t handle the ball.

NFL Game Performance

In the recent matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, the Giants employed a running back rotation with Harris, Tracy, and Devin Singletary. However, quarterback JJ McCarthy and wide receiver Darnell Mooney emerged as the leading rushers, with only 26 and 20 yards, respectively.

After the game, John Harbaugh, the team’s coach, commented on the lack of a standout running back, stating, “Nobody’s really taken the bull by the horns.” Harris echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing the difficulty in finding rhythm during the game.

Nobody can establish rhythm with just one or two plays,” Harris noted to the New York Daily News.

Harris has earned 99 rushing yards on 31 carries, averaging 3.2 yards per carry. This is a significant drop from his earlier record, where he achieved four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons when he started his NFL career five years ago.

Previous NFL Experience

Najee Harris, originally drafted in the first round from Alabama, served as a key player for the Pittsburgh Steelers before opting to leave after four years. Injuries plagued his tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers, restricting him from contributing significantly.

Current Giants Running Back Situation

The Giants face a challenge, with their running backs averaging a mere 3.4 yards per carry this season. Cam Skattebo leads minimally with 3.6 yards per carry from a total of 294 rushing yards. Despite a strong start against the Dallas Cowboys, Skattebo’s performance has since varied.

For now, Harbaugh awaits a standout performer to emerge as the Giants prepare to face the Houston Texans before their Week 8 bye.