The decision follows a rough Sunday. Harris got the start against the Saints but finished with four carries for two yards, the fewest yards among the six Giants who were credited with a carry. New York dressed four running backs (Harris, Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary), and the group combined for 34 rushing yards in a 34-27 home loss that dropped the team to 3-2-1.
Harris spoke up about the committee after the game. "It's hard to get into a rhythm with one or two runs," he said. "I've never been through this before." Coach John Harbaugh said all of his backs were splitting reps in the first half and that none of them has taken the job yet.
Harris has 99 rushing yards this season, second on the team behind Skattebo. He is 28 and in his sixth NFL season. Pittsburgh drafted him in the first round in 2021, and after four years there he signed with the Chargers, where he tore his Achilles. He joined the Giants this offseason.
Skattebo opened the year as the lead back, but his work shrank after four fumbles, and he had zero carries Sunday. Cutting Harris leaves three of Sunday's four active backs, and it suggests Harbaugh wants fewer of them sharing the ball.
What RSO owners should do now
If you roster Harris, don't release him on your RSO team just yet. His value now depends on where he signs, and a cut on your side can still leave dead money under your league's rules. Hold him on your bench until he lands somewhere.
Skattebo owners have the most to gain. Keep him and wait for the Week 7 practice reports before you start him. Tracy and Singletary are worth a look on waivers in deeper leagues, since one of them could end up as the main complement.
What to watch next
Watch for the Giants to make the release official, for any team that brings Harris in for a visit, and for how Harbaugh splits first-half snaps among the three remaining backs this week.
