Aug 28, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants running back Najee Harris (22) carries the ball against the New York Jets during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Veteran running back Najee Harris, who had four straight 1,000-yard seasons before a torn ACL limited him to just three games last year, was a healthy scratch for the New York Giants’ season-opening win over the Dallas Cowboys.
That status could change come Week 2 against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night.
The No. 3 spot in Big Blue’s running back rotation might be up for grabs after Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s uninspiring season debut against Dallas. After a mediocre preseason, he got two carries for 14 yards, with the second ending in a lost fumble that got him benched for the rest of the game.
There is no reason why Harris should not get a look. His track record speaks for itself, even if the remainder of his career has been compromised by last year’s injury. He provides a similar physical style to what Cam Skattebo brings to the table, meaning he could be utilized in goal-line or short-yardage situations to keep the second-year man as fresh as possible.
He has also proven to be a reliable receiver out of the backfield, which was a role No. 2 rusher Devin Singletary excelled out of in Week 1, catching four passes for 22 yards, including a nine-yard score to put the Giants up 14 midway through the fourth quarter.
The 1-2 punch of Skattebo and Singletary is not changing any time soon, but the No. 3 role in the depth chart allows for Harris to slowly ramp back up following a year-long absence.
If he can show flashes of what he was in Pittsburgh, the Giants suddenly have a three-headed monster in the backfield for John Harbaugh to use at his will.
For more on Najee Harris and the Giants, visit AMNY.com
