Harris complained publicly after Sunday's loss to New Orleans about not getting enough consecutive plays to establish rhythm. The 28-year-old running back had carried the ball four times for only 2 yards on 11 snaps, and the Giants were rotating four different backs throughout the game. "It's hard to get in a rhythm with one or two plays," Harris said before his release. "If you're getting a play here and then get taken out for a series, there's nothing you could do."
Head coach John Harbaugh acknowledged Harris's frustration but responded by telling all running backs to "do something" to "take the job" as the team's primary back. Instead of another opportunity to prove himself, Harris was released on Tuesday morning, according to a team source.
In five games with one start for New York, Harris managed only 99 yards on 31 carries, averaging 3.2 yards per attempt. His tenure with the Giants lasted just weeks after he signed as a free agent during the preseason, following an Achilles tendon injury that ended his 2025 season with the Los Angeles Chargers. Harris had been a four-time 1,000-yard rusher during his four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers after being drafted in the first round in 2021.
The Giants now have Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy, and Devin Singletary remaining at running back. The team also released veteran outside linebacker Jihad Ward on the same day.