Steelers running back Najee Harris missed practice on Tuesday with a knee injury. During his press conference with reporters on Tuesday morning, Harris wore a wrap around his right leg, but it did not seem like something that was overly concerning. If, for some reason, Harris could not play, the brunt of the work would go to Jaylen Warren, with Anthony McFarland and Godwin Igwebuike pitching in to help.
Harris has picked up steam over the last few weeks as the run game as started to get going. His hard-nosed running style and growing confidence in his vision have made him an efficient runner, and he leads the NFL in runs over 20 yards so far on the season.
This knee injury could potentially hamper him some, even if he does play. But this is why the committee backfield works, as the team could naturally lean on Warren more if they see Harris struggling while injured. The Patriots employ one of the better run defenses in the NFL, though, and will give Pittsburgh trouble. With left guard Isaac Seumalo and center Mason Cole banged up, the offensive line is not in sterling condition.
Regardless, the Steelers offense is looking for a boost to stay afloat with Kenny Pickett out with his ankle injury. No matter where that comes from, the Steelres should use Najee Harris as a key cog. He can help lead the offense as one of their main ball-toters. That’s how this offense was devised from the jump, and Harris stands to get potentially even more work as Mitch Trubisky takes the starting job.
Now, Pittsburgh needs to hope the knee injury is minor enough to have their full cache of weapons at their disposal. Harris’ impressive power and grit are something they need on the field to relieve Warren and add a different dimension to the backfield.
More must-reads: