Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Allison Koehler

Trouble is brewing with Steelers RB Najee Harris

Najee Harris was quite vocal, along with several teammates, that he wanted things to change with the Pittsburgh Steelers offense — and it did. So, what gives?

While Jaylen Warren spoke glowingly about running backs coach Eddie Faulkner’s promotion, Harris did not. In fact, per ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, he flat-out refused to speak with Steelers media on Friday, indicating there’s some trouble brewing with the former first-round pick.

Did something with the approach to the ground game in preparation for the Cincinnati Bengals piss Harris off? A potential reason for his refusal is that Warren has overtaken him as the starter of the Steelers struggling offense. Chuks Okorafor was benched and has not played since his sideline outburst during the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 8.

Harris’s comments were made after a game in which he logged a baker’s dozen touches for 36 yards. Warren had fewer attempts (nine) but did far more with them. The bulk of his 129 yards came on a 74-yard touchdown. He added three receptions on three targets for 16 yards.

“Starter” is just a label when it comes to these two. They’ve seen plenty of action since Broderick Jones was inserted into the line and run blocking improved.

But if Harris has been demoted or the plan is for Warren to get the lion’s share of the snaps, that’s enough for Harris to want the hell out of Pittsburgh.

Or maybe he’s just having a bad hair day.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.