The New York Giants’ ongoing running back saga took another intriguing twist on Tuesday, when the recently signed Najee Harris began working with the first-team offense.
Harris’ promotion came amid rumors about Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s job security and questions about Devin Singletary’s fit in Matt Nagy offense. At this point, it’d be hard to blame fans for wondering how many snaps John Harbaugh and Matt Nagy intend to give Cam Skattebo in Week 1.
Harbaugh clearly believes in Harris enough that he named the ex-Steelers starter as the co-No. 2 running back, alongside Singletary and Tracy, on Tuesday’s unofficial depth chart. Even that feels generous, though.
On the one hand, Harris’ rapid ascent up the Giants’ depth chart is a noteworthy comeback story. But it’s nonetheless telling — and incredibly concerning — that Harbaugh has shown so much faith in a player coming off an Achilles injury.
John Harbaugh and the New York Giants are putting too much faith in Najee Harris
For the sake of conversation, let’s assume that the Giants were to consider only carrying three traditional running backs. Pat Ricard has experience lining up at fullback and tight end, and he’s guaranteed to make the Week 1 roster.
Skattebo is obviously a lock, which would leave two spots for three other running backs. Singletary’s stock is rising, and he’s playing on the veteran minimum. Tracy has two years of team control remaining, and a trade feels unnecessary.
The prevailing thought recently, both on social media and from those who cover the Giants, is that Harbaugh would keep all four on the Week 1 roster. As recently as Tuesday morning, the idea would have objectively made sense.
Carrying four running backs might also have a significant impact on the receiver corps. Calvin Austin III suffered a possibly severe knee injury on Tuesday afternoon, which would create another roster hole at receiver if he lands on IR.
Harbaugh and Joe Schoen must look into adding another receiver before Week 1, and we’ve previously suggested the Browns’ Cedric Tillman as an ideal target. Monday’s Kayshon Boutte trade proved that any available receivers should cost only a late-round pick, and it might not even need to be in 2027.
Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson saw enough of Harris during their many Ravens-Steelers clashes. They know his value, and they wouldn’t have taken the gamble if he didn’t look worthy of a roster spot.
In Harbaugh and Schoen’s defense, they’ve done enough right (on paper, at least) that their newfound Harris strategy shouldn’t do much to damage Giants fans’ trust in either figure.
Harris is not expected to play against the Jets this weekend. As of Wednesday, Harbaugh has not announced whether Skattebo will suit up for the preseason finale.
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