Giants release running back Najee Harris two days after loss to Saints
In short
The New York Giants are releasing running back Najee Harris, according to an AP source and a Reuters report. Newsweek said he was released on Tuesday, two days after he started against the New Orleans Saints in a 34-27 loss and criticised the team's run game plan.
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The New York Giants are releasing running back Najee Harris, the Associated Press reported, citing a source. Reuters, in a report published later, said the team was releasing him after a complaint about his role. Newsweek said the release came on Tuesday, two days after Harris started against the New Orleans Saints. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
The Giants lost to the Saints 34-27 on Sunday. Harris carried the ball four times for two yards, and four running backs totalled 34 rushing yards, Newsweek said. It said Cam Skattebo had no carries and has fumbled four times this season. [ 3 ]
After the game, Harris criticised the run game plan, according to Newsweek, which cited ESPN. He said it is hard to get into a rhythm with one or two runs and that, if a player is taken out for a series, there is nothing he can do. Coach John Harbaugh said the backs took equal reps in the first half and that none of them had yet stepped up to be the back. [ 3 ]
Newsweek said Harris was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he spent four seasons, before joining the Los Angeles Chargers. It said he played three games for the Chargers last season because of a torn Achilles, and that he will now look for a new team. [ 3 ]
Why it matters
The move leaves the Giants' running back group unsettled after a game in which four backs totalled 34 rushing yards. Newsweek described the release as a first step in revamping that group.
Key facts
- The Giants are releasing running back Najee Harris, the Associated Press and Reuters reported. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Newsweek said the release came on Tuesday, two days after Harris started against the Saints. [ 3 ]
- The Giants lost to the New Orleans Saints 34-27 on Sunday. [ 3 ]
- Harris carried the ball four times for two yards in the game. [ 3 ]
- Four running backs totalled 34 rushing yards against the Saints, according to Newsweek. [ 3 ]
- Reuters' headline linked the release to a complaint about his role. [ 2 ]
Still unclear
- Why the Giants released Harris. Reuters' headline links the move to a complaint about his role, and Newsweek said it may not be a coincidence that he was released after criticising the run game plan, but the documents give no reason from the team.
- Whether the Giants have confirmed the move. The AP headline cites a source and Reuters calls it a report; no document quotes a team statement.