/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69958262/1343856921.0.jpg "Steelers Insider Beat: All Eyes On Najee Harris As Star Running Back Rests Wednesday")
Steelers Insider Beat: All Eyes on Najee Harris as Star Running Back Rests Wednesday
The Pittsburgh Steelers held their final practice of the week on Wednesday, and all eyes were on star running back Najee Harris. Harris did not participate in practice due to a foot injury, leaving his status for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets up in the air.
Harris’s Injury and Recovery
Harris suffered the foot injury in the Steelers’ Week 16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He aggravated the injury in the Steelers’ Week 17 win over the Cleveland Browns, and he sat out the Steelers’ Week 18 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Harris has been receiving treatment for the injury, and he is reportedly making progress. However, it is unclear if he will be able to play on Sunday.
The Steelers’ Running Back Depth
If Harris is unable to play on Sunday, the Steelers will have a number of options at running back.
- Jaylen Warren: Warren has been the Steelers’ primary backup running back this season, and he has rushed for 379 yards and three touchdowns on 93 carries.
- Benny Snell: Snell has been with the Steelers since 2019, and he has rushed for 1,039 yards and five touchdowns on 244 carries.
- Anthony McFarland: McFarland was a fourth-round pick by the Steelers in the 2020 NFL Draft, and he has rushed for 142 yards and one touchdown on 35 carries.
- Mataeo Durant: Durant was a fifth-round pick by the Steelers in the 2023 NFL Draft, and he has not yet appeared in a regular season game.
The Impact of Harris’s Absence
If Harris is unable to play on Sunday, it will be a significant loss for the Steelers. Harris is one of the most talented running backs in the NFL, and he is a key part of the Steelers’ offense.
Harris led the NFL in rushing yards as a rookie in 2021, and he has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons.
Harris is also a good receiver out of the backfield, and he has caught 84 passes for 720 yards and five touchdowns in his career.
The Steelers’ Outlook
The Steelers are currently 8-8 and in the hunt for a playoff berth. They need to win their final two games of the season and get some help from other teams in order to make the playoffs.
If Harris is unable to play on Sunday, it will make it more difficult for the Steelers to win their final two games and make the playoffs.
Conclusion
The Steelers are hoping that Harris will be able to play on Sunday, but his status is uncertain. If he is unable to play, it will be a significant loss for the Steelers, and it will make it more difficult for them to win their final two games and make the playoffs.
