Giants RB Rotation Change Expected: Bigger Role for Najee Harris

The Giants RB rotation could look different this week. Jordan Raanan reports that the "expectation is there will be a change to the Giants RB rotation" when New York takes on the New Orleans Saints, and the shift could change how the offense approaches the ground game.

According to Raanan, Najee Harris is expected to take on a larger role, while Cam Skattebo is expected to see fewer carries. It is a notable adjustment to the backfield heading into a key matchup.

Why the Giants RB Rotation Is Changing

The reason is simple: the Giants run game has been rather stagnant. When a running game stalls, it puts more pressure on the passing attack and makes it harder for an offense to stay on schedule, so the backfield is a natural place for a coaching staff to look for answers.

It looks like head coach John Harbaugh is ready to shake things up to get things going. Giving Harris a bigger share of the work offers the Giants a different look and a chance to find the rhythm that has been missing on the ground.

What It Means for Harris and Skattebo

For Harris, a larger workload is an opportunity to show he can be the spark this offense needs. More touches mean more chances to set the tone and help the Giants lean on the run when it matters.

For Skattebo, fewer carries does not have to mean a lost role. Rotations can shift from week to week, and how the run game performs against New Orleans will go a long way toward shaping how the carries are divided going forward. The Saints game is now a real test for the Giants RB rotation, and the results on the ground will be worth watching closely. Giants fans will soon find out whether the change gives the offense the boost it has been looking for.

Najee Harris' Path to the Giants

Harris signed a one-year deal with the Giants on Aug. 18. The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted him 24th overall in 2021, and he rushed for 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons without missing a start before signing with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025. His season with the Chargers ended when he tore his Achilles in Week 3 against the Denver Broncos, according to Giants.com.

Harbaugh saw plenty of Harris when his Ravens faced the Steelers in the AFC North. After working him out in August, Harbaugh said seeing Harris across the field used to make the hair on the back of his neck stand up.

Skattebo's Ball-Security Problem

Skattebo, a 2025 fourth-round pick out of Arizona State, came into the week with 294 rushing yards, 16th among running backs, according to Patricia Traina of Giants On SI. Fumbles have been the bigger problem, including a costly one in overtime against the Washington Commanders in Week 5.

He is also in his first season back from a serious injury. His rookie year ended in Week 8 of 2025 with a dislocated ankle that required surgery.

Traina also noted that by elevating only one practice squad player for the Saints game, the Giants left room for all four running backs, Skattebo, Harris, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary, to be active.

Update: How the Rotation Played Out

The change was even bigger than expected. Skattebo played six snaps without a carry or a target in the 34-27 loss to the Saints, according to CBS Sports. Giants running backs combined for 14 carries, 34 yards and a touchdown. Tracy led the group with six carries, while Harris and Singletary had four apiece.

Harbaugh said afterward that Skattebo's lack of touches was "not by design." He explained that the backs were splitting reps in the first half and that the Giants simply didn't call any runs when Skattebo was in the game, per Pro Football Talk. Read what Skattebo said about being held out and our full Giants vs Saints recap.

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