Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris has been a focal point of discussion recently, both for his health and his performance on the field. Despite an injury scare, Harris is expected to be fully available for the Steelers' Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed that there are no limitations for Harris, stating, 'No limitations for Naj. Naj will be ready to rock and roll.'
Harris, who has yet to miss a game in his NFL career, has been a workhorse for the Steelers since being drafted in 2021. This season, he has accumulated 209 yards on the ground over 55 attempts, along with seven receptions for 30 yards. His health is particularly important given the injury issues of fellow running back Jaylen Warren, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury.
Execution and Penalties
Harris has expressed frustration with the Steelers' offense, particularly regarding unforced errors and penalties. After the team's win over the Denver Broncos, Harris vented about the impact of these penalties on the team's performance. 'Its tough for the running backs but shit, we just have to execute on these passes its the same shit. We just have to execute. We arent being conservative. We are just (expletive) ourselves,' he said. These penalties have often pushed the Steelers off schedule and negated potential scoring opportunities.
Offensive Identity and Criticisms
The Steelers' offense has been working to establish a clear identity, with a focus on being a physical football team. Harris and the team are embracing a 'Make'em Tap Out' mindset, aiming to wear down opponents with consistent running and physical play. However, this approach has not been without criticism. After the Week 4 matchup against the Colts, Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin took a shot at Harris, calling him 'soft.' This criticism comes despite Harris's significant contributions to the Steelers' offense.
Harris has also emphasized the importance of execution and consistency. He believes the Steelers' slow starts are due to a lack of execution rather than a lack of effort or strategy. This sentiment reflects the broader team goal of becoming more efficient and effective in their running game.
Future with the Steelers
Despite the fifth-year option on his rookie contract being declined, Harris has expressed his desire to stay with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was initially disappointed by the decision but remains committed to the team and is focused on performing well in his final year under the current contract.
