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Najee Harris
RB · NYG

Najee Harris

Position RB
Team NYG
Bye Week —
PPR Rank —

Najee Harris

NFL running back. Position: RB. Team: NYG (New York Giants).

Quick Facts

  • Position: RB (Running Back)
  • Team: NYG (New York Giants)
  • College: Alabama
  • Draft: Round 1, Pick 24, 2021 NFL Draft (Pittsburgh Steelers)
  • NFL Experience: 5 seasons (2021-2025)

2026 Outlook

August 18 update: Harris signed a one-year deal with the New York Giants. This move comes despite being recovering from a torn Achilles injury suffered in Week 3 of the 2025 season with the Los Angeles Chargers. The injury had delayed team interest significantly early in the offseason, as most organizations wanted to monitor his recovery before committing (per Giants to sign Najee Harris to one-year deal: What does it mean for New York's backfield?).

August 26 depth chart shift: Harris's signing has pushed Tyrone Tracy Jr. down the depth chart. After Tracy missed a key block in the preseason opener that allowed Jaxson Dart to take a big hit, the Giants responded by bringing in Harris, a former Pro Bowler with a track record of 1,000-yard seasons with Pittsburgh (per Anthony Richardson, Joey Porter Jr. among potential trade candidates with NFL cutdown day looming). Harris now appears positioned as the No. 2 back ahead of Tracy in the rotation.

Harris joins a crowded Giants backfield that includes Cam Skattebo (lead back, returning from complex leg injury), Tyrone Tracy (now backup role after Harris signing), and Devin Singletary (veteran reserve). At 6-1, 242 lbs, Harris is substantially larger than the Giants' current backs and fits the mold of back preference under coach John Harbaugh, who has historically favored bigger, power-oriented runners like Derrick Henry and Mark Ingram. Harris's size suggests he may take early-down and short-yardage work, though his pass-protection abilities (another Harbaugh preference) could yield third-down snaps as well.

The outlook for Harris is becoming clearer: after his signing, Harris likely operates as a complementary back getting 30-50% of snaps in rotational work, particularly in goal-line and short-yardage situations, with Skattebo taking the lead-back role and explosive work.

August 20 preseason evaluation: Harris impressed during live drills, per ESPN's Jordan Raanan: "Harris looks pretty good physically having just signed and coming off a torn Achilles." Physical strength and blocking ability are elite—6-foot-1, 242 lbs, elite pass protector—positioning him for max-protection snaps. His prior track record (four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons with Pittsburgh 2021-2024) demonstrates he can handle heavy workloads when the opportunity arises. The Giants' backfield structure suggests Harris will operate as a power-runner complement to Skattebo (who emphasizes explosiveness and efficiency), creating a potential committee where Harris leads on early downs and short-yardage while Skattebo retains passing-game usage (per Najee Harris impresses NY Giants physically after live drills performance).

His previous track record includes four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons to start his career with Pittsburgh (2021-2024), demonstrating elite volume potential when healthy. However, post-Achilles recovery in his situation is complicated by his size—heavier backs historically have more difficulty regaining pre-injury athleticism compared to smaller backs. Harris projects as a low-end RB3 or FLEX option in PPR if he secures the No. 2/3 role and maintains consistent touch share (per Top NFL Free-Agent RBs 2026: Joe Mixon, Austin Ekeler & Veteran Fantasy Football Outlook).

Role / Depth Chart

With the Giants, Harris is likely a rotational/committee back. Given the crowded backfield and his size profile, he'll likely take early-down and short-yardage work. The Giants' uncertainty about Skattebo and Tracy suggests potential for Harris to claim snaps if he shows effectiveness early in preseason.

Injury Status

Torn Achilles (Week 3, 2025 season). Recovering through training camp. Return timeline remains a concern; recovery progress being monitored by Giants medical staff. Expected to play in preseason and be available for Week 1. Cleared to play in preseason finale on 2026-08-28, marking first game action in 11 months. (per Najee Harris set to play tonight, first game action since tearing Achilles 11 months ago).

Recent News

Open Questions

  • Which team will sign Harris, and what role will he fill in 2026?
  • Can Harris return to form after Achilles injury, or will his explosiveness remain diminished?
  • Will Harris sign before or during training camp once team attrition clarifies depth chart needs?

Sources

Coaches shaping Najee's role

John HarbaughHead CoachMatt NagyOffensive CoordinatorCharlie BullenRun Game Coordinator/Outside Linebackers CoachGrant NewsomeAssistant Offensive Line CoachMike BloomgrenOffensive Line CoachWillie TaggartRunning Backs Coach

What the Experts Are Saying

Sal VetriMy Top 50 Running Back Rankings for 2026 Fantasy Football
Flock FantasyThe 10 Best Running Back Values in Fantasy Football
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