Najee Harris Will Debut For Giants Against Rams

The running back is expected to make his first appearance of the season after recovering from an Achilles injury.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Football

Najee Harris Will Debut For Giants Against Rams

Live Poll

Should your local NFL team change its roster immediately following poor performance in a game?

Running back Najee Harris is slated to make his season debut for the New York Giants when the team faces the Los Angeles Rams. Harris has been ramping up his activity following a recovery from an Achilles tendon injury sustained last season.

Why it matters

The Giants are looking to bolster their backfield production following a costly fumble by Tyrone Tracy during their previous game against the Dallas Cowboys. Harris provides a veteran option as the team aims to improve its ground game performance.

In his final preseason appearance against the Jets, Najee Harris recorded 11 carries for 39 rushing yards. This performance remains his only active game time since suffering a season-ending Achilles injury last year.

The players

Najee Harris

He is an NFL running back who signed with the New York Giants following a previous tenure with the Chargers.

New York Giants

They are a professional football franchise competing in the National Football League.

Los Angeles Rams

They are a professional football franchise competing in the National Football League.

Tyrone Tracy

He is a running back currently playing for the New York Giants.

The details

After signing with the New York Giants last month, Harris has undergone a methodical ramp-up period to ensure his recovery from a September 21, 2025, Achilles tear. The decision to integrate him into the lineup against the Los Angeles Rams follows a critical fumble by teammate Tyrone Tracy.

Timeline

  1. August 28, 2026: Harris appeared in the preseason finale against the Jets.

  2. September 21, 2025: Harris suffered an Achilles tendon injury while playing for the Chargers.

Season Trajectory

This move signals a strategic shift for the New York Giants as they adjust their backfield rotation to stabilize the offense after early season struggles. Integrating a veteran presence like Harris is intended to minimize costly turnovers and provide consistency in the run game as the playoff race begins to take shape.

The return of Harris likely shifts the primary workload in the Giants backfield, impacting both the team's depth chart and fantasy football projections. His debut should provide a clearer picture of whether the Giants will utilize a committee approach or a bell-cow back in future matchups.

The takeaway

Players returning from major injuries often require a gradual workload increase even after being medically cleared for game action. Fantasy managers and fans should manage expectations for his immediate output while he settles back into regular-season competition.

Further reading

For more updates on player rosters and team adjustments, visit the Football section.

Live Poll

Should your local NFL team change its roster immediately following poor performance in a game?