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Steelers Get Significant Boost with Return of Key Starter

Originally posted on Steelers Now | By Nick Farabaugh | Last updated 1/4/24

Steelers running back Najee Harris is back at practice after missing Wednesday’s session at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. A knee injury has hampered Harris since early December, and he is not trying to make the team’s pivotal game against Baltimore his first missed game, either. To Harris’ credit, he has been an ironman since coming to the Steelers and has yet to miss a game. That is a shining example of consistency for the running back’s availability, though he has admittedly not always been fully healthy.

Harris is coming off one of the best performances of his career against the Seahawks. No one could stop him on the other side. Harris was named FedEx Ground Player of the Week for his performance in the Steelers’ win over the Seattle Seahawks. He rushed for 122 yards on 27 carries (4.5 average) and two touchdowns. Harris could have had a third rushing touchdown, but he slid down to ice the game and run the clock out. His 122 yards rushing was his most since Week 16 of 2021, a career-best 188-yard performance against the Cleveland Browns.

Now, the team will need him once again against a stout Ravens front, even if they are scheduled to sit many of their stars. The one issue recently has become some rushing attacks. In the last seven games, the Ravens are allowing 122 yards per game, meaning that if Pittsburgh can establish some movement up front, they may be able to play the ball control game against Baltimore.

This article first appeared on Steelers Now and was syndicated with permission.

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