Unofficially, John Harbaugh and the New York Giants still see former Pittsburgh Steelers starter Najee Harris as a backup running back.
Reality often proves far different than the league-mandated roster releases, so there are multiple ways to interpret the Giants’ Week 1 unofficial depth chart. Harbaugh listed Harris, Tyrone Tracy Jr., and Devin Singletary as co-No. 2 running backs behind Cam Skattebo entering Sunday’s showdown with the rival Cowboys.
Enough has been said about the Giants’ running back room in recent weeks, even after all four survived final cuts. However, we suggest you avoid falling into the group that believes Harris will be a non-factor despite his recent surge up the depth chart.
Najee Harris could play a crucial role for John Harbaugh and the New York Giants
We recently argued that first impressions proved lasting during Harbaugh’s first offseason, with Tracy and Deonte Banks representing opposite sides of the coin. Banks’ future in New York looked grim after the Giants declined his fifth-year option, but he’s positioned himself to earn reps as a rotational defensive back.
The Giants signed Harris, who missed almost all of last season with a torn Achilles tendon, only days after Tracy missed a crucial block against the Vikings. Jaxson Dart, who’d been tested for concussions at least five times as a rookie, was quickly hurried into the blue medical tent, though he passed the evaluation.
Might the Giants have added Harris regardless? Perhaps, but neither Tracy nor Skattebo helped endear themselves to a new coaching staff; the latter had a viral failed backflip and needed to publicly reiterate that he and Harbaugh have a strong relationship. Keep in mind that Harris is the only active running back whom Harbaugh didn’t inherit, though that comes with a slight asterisk because Singletary agreed to a restructured contract this past March. It’s reasonable to suggest that the Giants wouldn’t have brought Singletary back if Harbaugh didn’t want him.
If we had to guess which two running backs will see the most action against Dallas, we’re going with Harris and Skattebo. Tracy has seemingly fallen out of favor, and the 29-year-old Singletary is a fine depth piece.
Harbaugh wants Harris to be involved, and the latter was already earning first-team carries within days of signing. Harris even suited up for the preseason finale when conventional wisdom may have suggested he’d sit and potentially return as a practice squad option.
It’s unclear whether the Giants will have all four running backs active, especially after releasing veteran receiver Darius Slayton earlier this week. As of publication, the Giants do not have a running back on the practice squad; Eric Gray was waived during final cuts and remains a free agent.
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