Introduction

The New York Giants’ running back room suddenly became one of the most interesting position groups to watch after the team signed veteran Najee Harris to a one-year contract. Harris joined the Giants on Aug. 18 after working out for the team while continuing his recovery from the torn Achilles he suffered during the 2025 season. The former Pro Bowl selection brings four seasons of 1,000-plus rushing yards with Pittsburgh and plenty of NFL experience to a backfield already featuring several talented options. (Reuters)

The headline from Giants Training Camp Day 21 was simple: Najee Harris will get carries. That development could have major consequences for how head coach John Harbaugh distributes work once Harris is fully ready. Here are the biggest things to know about the situation.

1. Najee Harris Is Expected to Have a Real Role

The Giants did not bring Harris to New York simply to watch from the sideline. Reports indicate that he was signed with the expectation that he would become a significant contributor once he is physically ready. ESPN’s Jordan Raanan described Harris as someone brought in under the premise that he would have a meaningful role. (NBC Sports)

That is significant because Harris is joining a backfield that already has several players competing for opportunities. Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary all entered the summer with reasons to expect meaningful work. Harris’ arrival changes those calculations.

The veteran running back has a proven NFL résumé, including four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to begin his career. His physical running style also fits the type of football Harbaugh has emphasized. Harris still has to demonstrate that he is fully recovered from his Achilles injury, but if he does, the Giants have indicated that he will not simply be a ceremonial addition.

2. His Achilles Recovery Will Determine How Quickly He Gets More Carries

The biggest question surrounding Harris isn’t whether he can play football. It is how quickly his body will allow him to return to his previous workload.

Harris suffered a torn Achilles while playing for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025, and he was still working his way back when he arrived in New York. John Harbaugh said Harris was not yet in full football condition and suggested that he would need some time before being completely ready. (Reuters)

That makes the phrase “will get carries” important but also worth putting into context. The Giants can give Harris opportunities without immediately asking him to handle a feature-back workload. A gradual increase would allow the coaching staff to evaluate his burst, cutting ability, conditioning and confidence.

For a player returning from such a serious lower-body injury, managing workload could be just as important as maximizing production during individual practices.

3. Harris Adds Another Experienced Runner to a Crowded Backfield

Before Harris arrived, the Giants already had a complicated running back competition. Skattebo emerged as an important young option, Tracy has shown flashes of ability, and Singletary brings considerable NFL experience.

Now Harris makes the group even deeper.

ESPN recently described the Giants’ backfield as difficult to predict because of the number of capable runners competing for carries. The addition of Harris gives the Giants another proven option and potentially provides insurance if one of the younger backs struggles or suffers an injury. (ESPN)

That depth could ultimately become one of the team’s strengths. Rather than relying on one running back for nearly every important situation, Harbaugh can potentially use different players according to game circumstances. One back might be better suited for early downs, another for passing situations and another for short-yardage work.

4. Cam Skattebo Remains a Major Part of the Conversation

Harris’ arrival does not automatically mean Cam Skattebo is losing his role. In fact, recent reporting continues to identify Skattebo as an important option in the Giants’ backfield.

The rookie has already generated significant attention during the Giants’ preparation for the 2026 season, and the team has invested heavily in developing his role. ESPN recently characterized Skattebo as the top option in a crowded backfield, even while acknowledging that the addition of Harris makes the eventual distribution of carries difficult to predict. (ESPN)

That creates an intriguing situation. Harris has the experience, while Skattebo represents youth and upside. Instead of necessarily choosing one player, Harbaugh could decide that using both gives the Giants a better overall rushing attack.

The real question may not be whether Harris or Skattebo gets carries, but how the coaching staff divides them.

5. Tyrone Tracy’s Position Has Become More Complicated

The addition of Harris could have particularly important consequences for Tyrone Tracy Jr. Tracy entered camp competing for opportunities, but recent preseason performances have created additional questions around his place in the rotation.

Against Miami, Tracy averaged 4.3 yards per carry but also lost a fumble. His preseason struggles have reportedly made his roster position less secure as the Giants evaluate their options. (Big Blue View)

Harris’ presence makes that competition even tougher. A healthy veteran with a long track record of production naturally receives consideration from a coaching staff trying to build the most reliable roster possible.

Tracy still has an opportunity to change the conversation. Running backs can quickly move up a depth chart with strong practices, reliable pass protection and ball security. But Harris’ signing means the margin for error may be smaller.

6. Devin Singletary Has Quietly Made His Own Case

While much of the attention has focused on Harris and Skattebo, Devin Singletary should not be overlooked. He has continued producing during preseason action and recently rushed eight times for 40 yards and a touchdown against Miami. (giants.com)

That performance matters because Singletary provides something valuable: experience in the Giants’ system and familiarity with NFL game situations. He does not need to make a dramatic impression every day to remain relevant.

A deep backfield gives Harbaugh several options. If Harris is placed on a limited workload because of his recovery, Singletary can take additional snaps. If Skattebo needs a break, Singletary can step in. And if the Giants want a veteran presence in certain situations, he can provide it.

The competition could therefore extend beyond Harris and the younger backs.

7. Harris Already Made an Impression After Joining the Team

Harris did not take long to get noticed after arriving in New York. During the Giants’ joint practice with Miami, he scored on a touchdown run, providing an early glimpse of what the veteran could bring to the offense. (New York Post)

One practice obviously cannot determine a player’s entire season, especially when that player is returning from a major injury. Still, it was encouraging for a Giants team that needed to see how Harris moved after spending months recovering.

His physical running style was one reason the Giants were interested in him. John Harbaugh has also spoken positively about Harris’ potential contribution and experience. The next step is determining how much of that ability can translate into consistent production after the Achilles injury.

8. The Carry Distribution Could Become One of Camp’s Biggest Storylines

The Giants’ backfield is now deep enough that carry distribution could become one of the most interesting roster questions heading into the regular season.

The Giants themselves acknowledged that the running back room had become very deep after Harris’ arrival. Recent team analysis noted that Singletary has performed effectively, Tracy has produced some strong runs despite a fumble, and the overall situation remains difficult to sort out. (giants.com)

That competition could benefit the team. Running backs know that every practice rep matters, and coaches can evaluate which players consistently protect the football, block effectively, run efficiently and contribute in the passing game.

For fantasy football players, however, the situation is considerably less comfortable. A crowded backfield can make it difficult to predict which player will receive enough touches to deliver consistent weekly production.

Conclusion

Najee Harris’ arrival has added another major storyline to Giants training camp. The veteran running back brings four straight 1,000-yard seasons, Pro Bowl experience and a physical style that could fit well with John Harbaugh’s approach. At the same time, his recovery from a torn Achilles means the Giants must carefully manage his workload rather than immediately treating him like the player he was before the injury. (Reuters)

The most important takeaway from Day 21 is that Harris is expected to receive opportunities. Exactly how many carries he eventually receives will depend on his health, performance and the development of the other backs.

With Skattebo, Tracy and Singletary also competing for touches, the Giants have one of the deepest running back groups on the roster. The competition should make the position worth monitoring right through the final preseason decisions and into Week 1.

5 Interesting FAQs

1. Why did the Giants sign Najee Harris?

The Giants signed Harris to add an experienced and proven running back to their offense. He previously recorded four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and brings extensive NFL experience to a young and competitive Giants backfield. (Reuters)

2. Will Najee Harris immediately become the Giants’ No. 1 running back?

Not necessarily. Harris is returning from a torn Achilles and was still working back toward full football conditioning when he joined the Giants. The team is expected to manage his workload while evaluating how quickly he returns to his previous form. (Big Blue View)

3. Who else is competing for carries?

The Giants have several notable options, including Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary. The addition of Harris has made the competition significantly more crowded and makes the eventual distribution of carries difficult to predict. (ESPN)

4. How did Harris look after joining the Giants?

Harris made an early impression during the Giants’ joint practice with the Miami Dolphins, where he scored a touchdown run. However, one practice is not enough to determine how much he will ultimately contribute during the regular season. (New York Post)

5. Could the Giants use multiple running backs during games?

Yes. The depth of the current backfield gives the Giants the flexibility to use a rotation rather than depending on a single player. Different backs can potentially be deployed according to down, distance, game situation and workload management. Recent Giants coverage has emphasized how difficult it is to predict the final carry distribution. (ESPN)

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