The New York Giants are releasing running back Najee Harris after five appearances with the team, as relayed by SNY.
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The move comes days after head coach John Harbaugh criticized the team's running back usage following a loss to the New Orleans Saints. Harris received four carries in that game and gained just two yards.
His overall production offered little relief for a struggling ground attack. Harris rushed 31 times for 99 yards during his Giants stint, averaging 3.2 yards per carry.
The former first-round pick's departure leaves Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary as New York's main options at running back.
But the Giants' questions about the position extend beyond Harris. Skattebo saw limited action against New Orleans after a costly fumble near the end of overtime against the Washington Commanders in Week 5.
New York struggled to establish its running game against the Saints, and Harbaugh's criticism preceded Tuesday's reported roster decision. Releasing Harris changes the personnel, though the Giants still must sort out how to divide opportunities among the remaining backs.
Harris entered the NFL as Pittsburgh's first-round selection in 2021 following his college career at Alabama. He now faces another change of teams after receiving a modest workload during his brief stay in New York.
For the Giants, the immediate focus shifts to the three backs still in the mix. Skattebo's usage will be worth watching after he barely figured into the offense in Week 6, even as the team struggled to move the ball on the ground.
