Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Najee Harris returned to the field to practice Friday and will likely be available to play on Sunday. Harris, the former number 1 draft pick out of the University of Alabama, has missed practice this week after sustaining an oblique injury in Week 12 against the Indianapolis Colts.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Najee Harris (#22) Carrie’s the football during an NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in Cincinnati.(AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Video from Friday’s practice shows Harris looking like his usual agile self. The fact that he is participating in full pads means that there is at least a possibility that he will be available Sunday to take the field.
#Steelers running back drills Friday @937theFan pic.twitter.com/zyjFc2r9IF
— Jeff Hathhorn (@jhathhorn) December 2, 2022
Steelers Had a Trio of RB’s Play in Week 12
After Harris left the game last Sunday near the end of the second half, the bulk of his work was picked up by Benny Snell Jr. and Anthony McFarland Jr., who was brought up from the practice squad. Steelers' normal #2 back, Jaylen Warren, missed Week 12 with a hamstring injury. Warren has been sharing the workload with Harris this season and has helped to bring some depth to the run game.
The fill-in cadre of backs did an admirable job last week. Pittsburgh was able to rush for a combined 172 yards in their 24-17 win in Indianapolis. If Harris is unable to play Sunday or if his play is limited, expect to see Warren, Snell, and McFarland handling the groundwork. If Harris does play, then McFarland should return to the practice squad.
Aug 12, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) runs off the field after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Harris' Return To Greatness
Harris has come under fire this year regarding his performance. It was especially noticeable after an excellent rookie season. So far in 2022, he has rushed 158 times for 585 yards with 4 touchdowns. He has also caught 29 passes and scored twice by air. That is not on track with his numbers from 2021, where he rushed 307 times for 1,200 yards and 7 touchdowns.
There have been concerns about his health, he mentioned a Lisfranc injury earlier this season and rumors swirled about him playing with a metal plate in his cleat. Regardless, Harris has shown a definite improvement over the past few weeks, including being named the NFL FedEx Ground Player for Week 11.
The Steelers' final injury report will come out later today and that should provide some additional clarity.
Do you think that Harris will play a full game? What added benefits does Harris bring to the field? How do you feel about the backup group and their performance? Click to comment below.
#SteelerNation
