East Rutherford, N.J. — The New York Giants have added former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris to their roster, hoping his physical style will strengthen the team’s rushing attack before the season opener on Sept. 13.
Harris, 28, signed with the Giants on Monday after a workout that demonstrated his confidence returning from a torn left Achilles tendon. He told reporters Tuesday that he expects to be game‑ready quickly, noting, “It doesn’t take a long time for me to get in shape. I take that seriously.”
Recovery timeline
Giants head coach John Harbaugh estimated that Harris will need two to three weeks of practice to be fully prepared. With the first game against the Dallas Cowboys just three and a half weeks away, Harbaugh said the timing appears “just in time, probably.” He added that Harris is an experienced, downhill runner who can serve as a “battering ram” for the offense.
Backfield competition
The Giants’ backfield already includes prospective starters Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy, as well as veteran Devin Singletary, who brings more than 100 NFL games of experience. Skattebo recently returned to full health after breaking his right fibula and dislocating his ankle in October.
Harris, who rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of the 2021‑2024 seasons with the Steelers, acknowledges the crowded position but believes his style fits the Giants’ offensive direction. “The style of play they’re heading towards aligns with me,” he said.
Looking ahead
Before his injury, Harris was a full‑time feature back for Pittsburgh, but a non‑contact play against the Los Angeles Chargers in September 2025 resulted in the Achilles tear that sidelined him after three games. He praised his rehabilitation process, stating, “I’m proud of the work that I did… I learned a lot about myself.”
Despite his impressive résumé, Harris says he still has “a lot to prove.” He added, “Everything that I did in the past is in the past. What matters is what I do now, and I’m ready to answer the questions about how I’ll come back.”
Giants’ rushing outlook
Harbaugh emphasized that the Giants intend to rely heavily on the running game this season. Harris, listed at 6‑foot‑1 and over 240 pounds, offers a powerful option that could shift the distribution of carries among the backs. While the exact role Harris will play remains uncertain, the coaching staff is enthusiastic about the possibilities.
“Football’s competitive, the NFL’s competitive and we’re building the strongest team we can,” Harbaugh said. “He’s a really good football player and everybody understands the competition.”
The Giants will continue to evaluate Harris during practices over the next few weeks, aiming to integrate him into the offense before the season opener at MetLife Stadium.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
