Najee Harris Released by Giants: New York Makes Major Running Back Decision After Saints Loss New York Giants are reportedly releasing running back Najee Harris, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, following a disappointing performance against the New Orleans Saints in Week 6 of the 2026 NFL season. The decision marks another major change for a Giants backfield that has struggled to establish a consistent rushing attack.
Harris managed just two rushing yards on four carries in the Giants’ 34-27 loss to the Saints on Sunday. His departure could reshape the team’s running back rotation, although it remains unclear which player will emerge as New York’s primary option moving forward.
Why Are the Giants Releasing Najee Harris?
The Giants’ decision to release Najee Harris comes after an underwhelming performance and growing frustration surrounding the team’s running back rotation.
Harris started against New Orleans but struggled to find running room, finishing with only two yards on four rushing attempts. The team’s other running backs also failed to produce significant results, with the entire ground game continuing to fall short of expectations.
Harris had expressed frustration with the limited opportunities available to running backs in New York. He explained that establishing rhythm is difficult when players receive only a few carries before being removed from the game.
The veteran running back also indicated that he felt physically ready to contribute after returning from a torn Achilles injury. However, his opportunities and production did not meet expectations during his brief stint with the Giants.
According to the reported move, New York is now preparing to move forward without Harris as the coaching staff searches for a more effective rushing combination.
Najee Harris Stats Against the Saints
Harris’ performance against New Orleans highlighted the difficulties facing the Giants’ rushing attack.
His Week 6 numbers were:
- Rushing attempts: 4
- Rushing yards: 2
- Yards per carry: 0.5
- Game result: Giants lost 34-27 to the Saints
The Giants struggled to generate consistent production on the ground throughout the contest. Tyrone Tracy Jr. led the running backs with six carries, while no other player recorded more than four rushing attempts.
New York’s offense also faced challenging game conditions after falling behind by as many as 24 points in the second half. The deficit forced the team to adjust its offensive approach as it attempted to mount a comeback.
Despite the late rally, the Giants could not complete the comeback, and the disappointing result was followed by the reported decision to release Harris.
Najee Harris’ NFL Career and Giants Contract
Najee Harris entered the 2026 season with a strong NFL résumé. During his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he established himself as a dependable running back and recorded four 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
Harris later spent time with the Los Angeles Chargers before signing a one-year contract with the Giants in August 2026.
His arrival was expected to provide experience and stability to a backfield featuring Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary. Instead, the crowded rotation struggled to produce consistent results.
The Giants’ running backs have averaged approximately 3.8 yards per carry, according to the supplied report. That figure reflects the broader problems affecting the team’s rushing offense rather than the performance of any single player.
Harris’ release represents another setback in a season in which New York has yet to identify a clear lead running back.
What Does Najee Harris’ Release Mean for Cam Skattebo?
One of the biggest questions following the reported move is whether Cam Skattebo will receive more opportunities.
Skattebo entered the season with considerable fantasy football expectations after being selected around the 36th overall pick in average PPR drafts. He initially delivered encouraging results, finishing among the top 20 running backs in fantasy scoring during Weeks 1 and 3.
However, his production declined in Weeks 4 and 5. He recorded 14.7 fantasy points across those two weeks on 34 touches, and a costly fumble during an overtime tie against the Washington Commanders appeared to coincide with a reduction in his role.
Against the Saints, Skattebo did not record a carry and played only six offensive snaps.
Head coach John Harbaugh denied that the decision was intended as punishment for the fumble. He explained that the coaching staff wanted to evaluate the available running backs and see who could take advantage of the opportunities.
Although Harris’ departure could create additional room in the rotation, it does not guarantee that Skattebo will immediately become the featured back.
Fantasy football managers should monitor Skattebo’s snap count, rushing attempts and involvement in the passing game before placing him in starting lineups.
Who Could Lead the Giants’ Backfield Now?
With Harris reportedly leaving the roster, the Giants have several alternatives to consider.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. could be an important option after leading the running backs in carries against New Orleans. His workload in upcoming games will help determine whether the coaching staff sees him as a potential lead back.
Cam Skattebo could benefit from the reduced competition, but his recent lack of involvement means he still needs to demonstrate that he can earn a larger role.
Devin Singletary also remains part of the backfield picture and could receive opportunities as the coaching staff evaluates its options.
Harbaugh has made it clear that the running game has not performed well enough for any player to secure a major workload automatically. He has said he wants a back who can take control of the job, similar to the prominent roles Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley have held in successful offenses.
For now, the Giants’ running back situation remains unsettled.
Giants Face Tough Test Against Texans
The Giants’ next challenge is a matchup against the Houston Texans, whose defense has been effective at limiting opposing rushing attacks during the 2026 season.
The supplied report indicates that Houston ranks third in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game. That makes the matchup potentially difficult for whichever running back receives the largest workload.
Even if Skattebo sees more playing time following Harris’ reported release, the Texans could limit his opportunities to produce significant fantasy numbers.
The Giants will need improved blocking, better execution and a more consistent approach if they hope to establish their ground game against Houston.
The coaching staff’s distribution of snaps and carries will be particularly important to watch as the team attempts to find a reliable offensive identity.
Najee Harris News: What Happens Next?
The reported release of Najee Harris is another significant development for the New York Giants during the 2026 NFL season.
Harris arrived with considerable experience, including four 1,000-yard rushing seasons with Pittsburgh, but struggled to make an impact in New York’s crowded backfield. His two-yard performance against the Saints added to the team’s rushing concerns.
His departure could open opportunities for Tracy, Skattebo and Singletary, but no player has yet established himself as the unquestioned starter.
For fantasy football managers, the key will be watching how the Giants distribute carries in their upcoming matchup against Houston. Skattebo’s fantasy value could improve if his workload increases, while Tracy and Singletary may also benefit from the changing depth chart.
The Giants now face an important challenge: finding a running back who can consistently produce and help turn around an underperforming rushing offense.
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