In addition to Skattebo, the Giants’ running back depth chart to face the Cowboys includes seasoned staples Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary. According to the Giants’ official depth chart, Skattebo is the main running back, but the duo of Singletary, and Tracy Jr. has no particular order. According to Big Blue Film Room, Tracy Jr. will be RB2, at least in Week 1.

Perhaps it will be a battle royale to determine who gets the snaps after Skattebo. Maybe they can even contend to become Harbaugh’s primary option in the backfield. For the time being, it seems Skattebo will get the nod. Based on his promising-yet-cut-short rookie year, his leash may not be short.

• Cam Skattebo
• Tyrone Tracy Jr.
• Devin Singletary

Najee Harris is inactive

Although his addition to the roster made headlines during the offseason and his presence raised eyebrows around Skattebo’s role, Najee Harris has been left off the active roster for Week 1’s Sunday night showdown against the Cowboys at MetLife Stadium.

“Najee Harris among the Giants inactives,” Jordan Raanan of ESPN reported. WR Dalen Cambre, TE Thomas Fidone, OT JC Davis, DT Bobby Jamison-Travis, CB Nic Jones, and S Jason Pinnock complete the list. Learning Malik Nabers isn’t on the inactives list confirms he will make his return against Dallas.

The decision was surprising, as many expected Harris to play a big role right away with New York. Instead, Harbaugh will opt to give Harris more time to acclimate himself to his playbook. The Giants will roll into Week 1 with the same trio that led the way last season, while Harris won’t play against the Cowboys.

Cowboys’ RB depth chart for Week 1

As for the Cowboys, Javonte Williams will lead the pack as the starting running back. Their other options in the backfield will be Emari Demercado and Israel Abanikanda. Dallas’ running back room doesn’t have as many question marks as New York’s, in the sense that it’s clear Williams will run the show.

• Javonte Williams
• Emari Demercado
• Israel Abanikanda

The Giants have not officially disclosed the reason for Harris’ inactive status. However, his situation is somewhat different from a typical game-day scratch because he did not appear on New York’s Week 1 injury report. That makes an injury-related absence less likely and points more toward a football decision by the coaching staff.

Harris joined the Giants on Aug. 18, giving him less than a month to get up to speed with a completely new offense and coaching staff. He was also returning from the torn Achilles he suffered early last season with the Los Angeles Chargers, so the Giants may simply have decided that he needs more time to regain his football rhythm before taking regular-season snaps.

Najee Harris inactive against the Cowboys

The most likely explanation is that Najee Harris simply was not ready to handle a meaningful role after joining the Giants so late in the offseason. John Harbaugh had already acknowledged that Harris was not yet in football shape when he arrived in New York, making his eventual availability for Week 1 something worth monitoring.

Harris did get an opportunity to play in the preseason finale against the New York Jets, rushing 11 times for 39 yards and adding a 20-yard reception. That performance showed he was moving in the right direction, but the Giants may have preferred to give him additional time rather than immediately place him into a regular-season rotation.

His absence means Cam Skattebo, Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracy Jr. will handle the running back responsibilities against Dallas. Skattebo is expected to lead the group, while Singletary and Tracy can take on complementary roles. For Harris, the inactive designation is another reminder that his return to a full NFL workload is being handled carefully after both his late arrival in New York and last year’s Achilles injury.

Harris was one of the most intriguing additions to the Giants’ roster because of his experience and production during his first four NFL seasons. The former Steelers running back rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of those seasons, giving New York another proven option in a backfield that also includes Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary.

With the Cowboys waiting in Week 1, the biggest question has been how prepared Harris would be to handle a regular-season workload. Harbaugh had previously acknowledged that the running back would need time to get back to full football shape, but his latest update suggests Harris has made significant progress and is now approaching game readiness.

Will Najee Harris play for Giants vs Cowboys?

John Harbaugh offered an encouraging assessment of Najee Harris, explaining that the veteran running back arrived in good physical condition and has continued to improve since joining the Giants. The coach also noted that Harris has become more physically defined through his football preparation, an indication that his conditioning has continued to progress as Week 1 approaches.

“I think he’s on his way. I mean, he’s in good shape. He came in in good shape. He’s even leaned up a little bit. I think the football movement has got him kind of chiseled a little more than he was and he looks good. He looks like he’s ready to play. So, we’ll see where we’re at with all that. All those decisions have to be made but he’s going to be ready to go.”

That final message from Harbaugh is particularly significant. While the Giants still have decisions to make regarding Harris’ exact role and workload against Dallas, the coach clearly expects the veteran running back to be available for the season opener.

Harris’ presence could also give the Giants more flexibility in how they attack the Cowboys. Rather than immediately relying on one running back for a heavy workload, New York can rotate Harris with Skattebo, Tracy and Singletary while managing Harris’ return from injury. For now, however, Harbaugh’s update is a major positive: Najee Harris is on his way and appears ready to make his Giants debut in Week 1.

Per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Najee Harris will play against the Jets, making this his first game since tearing his Achilles in Week 3 of 2025. Harris has created a buzz, sending fellow running backs Tyrone Tracy and Devin Singletary in a battle to not get cut.

As for Cam Skattebo, he is starting fights with fellow teammates. Meanwhile, Harris is impressing and looking the part. Hence, he could be very relevant once the season starts if his health and form allow it.

Najee Harris could make a definitive statement vs Jets

Harris recently took first-team snaps and is listed as the co-No.2 RB on the depth chart behind Skattebo. While he will not play the full game, it will allow Harris to get the feeling back. Harris is a very talented player, but he is coming off a serious injury.

Harris has by far the best resume of the four running backs. He was a blue-chip prospect coming out of Alabama, and cracked the 1,000-yard threshold in his four years with the Steelers.

What will Harbaugh do?

John Harbaugh has a lot of questions that need to be answered right now. First, what will Najee Harris’ actual role be? Second, which RB, if any, will be cut from the 53-man roster? Thirdly, will Harris have a committee role or just a pass-blocking back? The head coach has a lot of things to figure out.

According to Art Stapleton of NorthJersey.com, Harris’ signing will cost one of Tracy or Singletary a spot on the roster as the 53-man cut comes close. “The presence of Najee Harris shakes things up in what now looks to be a crowded room…

“Tracy is in a weird position after very public mishaps in back-to-back preseason games (failed blitz pick-up, now a fumble), but whether those two instances will put him on the bubble or on the trade market remains to be seen. Singletary, a vested veteran, could stick on the practice squad if this becomes a numbers’ game,” Stapleton said.

Harris seems to leapfrog both Tracy and Singletary

Even after suffering an Achilles tear, it seems like Harris, who has four 1,000-yard seasons in five years (being the Achilles year the only one where he didn’t reach the treshold), has impressed the Giants enough to enter as the RB2 on the depth chart.

Tracy has the age and upside to his favor. However, Singletary is still more reliable as Tracy’s mistakes are very costly and notorious, while Singletary might not have any big-time feature, but he is good at all running back’s tasks.

Najee Harris could even challenge Cam Skattebo

It was reported that Cam Skattebo is still viewed as RB1 over Najee Harris. However, it was also stated Harris was brought to play a significant role. Also, Skattebo suffered a big injury last year, so did Harris.

Hence, a committee that keeps both backs fresh and complimenting each others could be a very good tactic to use. Both players rely on power, physical mass, and tenacity rather than elite speed or explosive open-field burst. Both excel at grinding out tough yards in short-distance and goal-line situations. Also, they are reliable and willing blockers in passing situations.

Tracy appeared on the Giants’ blowout win against the Dolphins in the preseason. Tracy actually had a decent game with three catches and six rushes for a total of 48 scrimmage yards. However, one key play could end up harming him.

As Jordan Raanan of ESPN pointed out, Tracy “ran well, good pass block, caught passes, tackle on kickoff but… the fumble.” During the Giants’ first preseason game, Tracy whiffed a block that ended in a hard sack against Jaxson Dart. That prompted the Giants to sign Najee Harris. Now, he fumbles.

Tracy’s big issue

The good things about Tracy are plenty. He is a good runner, he can catch passes, he is also a very good special teams addition. However, he always seems to have a key mistake in games.

First a whiffed tackle that sent the starting quarterback to the blue tent. Now, a fumble that cost the team a drive. Those mistakes are the ones that end up costing stock on the roster, and Harris is the one reaping the rewards.

Harris has much more ball security

Najee Harris has better ball security than Tyrone Tracy Jr. Over their respective careers, Harris has proven significantly being more careful with the football on a per-touch basis, whereas Tracy has struggled with a higher frequency of fumbles relative to his total touches.

Harris has logged very few fumbles (around five total) across heavy multi-year workloads as a bell-cow back, boasting stretches of hundreds of touches without a single fumble. Meanwhile, Tracy accumulated five fumbles as a rookie in 2024 alone, and while he improved in 2025, ball security and his recent preseason miscues have continued to be an area of concern for him.

Per Jordan Raanan of ESPN, “Harris looks pretty good physically having just signed and coming off a torn Achilles.” That is music to Giants’ ears as the first preseason game showed Tyrone Tracy letting a defender put a clean hit on Jaxson Dart that forced a blue tent visit, much to the QB’s puzzled expression.

He is physically imposing and a much better blocker, and Harris also gave an injury update to be aware of his status. Harris is arguably a very good running back, as he had four straight 1,000-yard seasons before suffering the ruptured Achilles. If he comes back near the top of his game, the Giants could actually have a very decent weapon altogether for this offense.

Where does Harris fit on the NY Giants RB depth chart?

If Harris is at his best, he could fight with Cam Skattebo to be the Giants’ best running back. After all, Skattebo is regarded as the top one on the depth chart, but all reports indicate a committee.

Skattebo could be the more explosive, powerful back, while Harris brings a more detailed, yet physical style with lots of flair and power. Skattebo looks like a train, while Harris is more calculated, yet still hard to bring down.

Najee Harris is a tough guy to bring down

Raanan stated how big and strong Harris looked. When looking at his numbers, it’s confirmation that Harris is, indeed, a huge back. Harris has more rushing yards after contact than before contact.

Also, he usually doesn’t let people through. Najee Harris is considered a solid and reliable pass blocker. Standing at 6-foot-1 and over 240 pounds, his large size, physical strength, and willingness to engage defenders make him an asset in max-protection and passing downs.

The Giants’ receiving corps is crowded, and releasing the veteran could help clear things up. However, the former Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots wide receiver is still practicing under John Harbaugh.

Moves in East Rutherford are happening on a daily basis, with the start of a new season getting closer. The head coach doesn’t want to leave anything to chance and wants to be as prepared as possible for the season opener.

Giants’ intriguing receiving corps

JuJu Smith-Schuster arrived in New York at the beginning of June, but his time in East Rutherford appears to be coming to an end. Players like Odell Beckham Jr., who have made the most of their opportunities, along with stars such as Malik Nabers, are making it difficult for John Harbaugh to find room for everyone.

Malik Nabers, Calvin Austin III, and Darius Slayton are listed as the top three options, while Malachi Fields, Braxton Berrios, and Darnell Mooney follow behind them. Further down the depth chart are OBJ, Jalin Hyatt, Dalen Cambre, Isaiah Hodgins, Ryan Miller, and Xavier Gipson.

Harris still needs to get up to speed

Harris arrives in New York with plenty of experience, but physically, he still needs to catch up with his teammates. During his press conference, John Harbaugh revealed that the running back is not yet at full strength.

“You know, he’s not back 100%. He’s not in football shape yet. So, if we are able to do something, it’ll be a process,” the head coach said. Once that moment arrives, New York’s backfield will be a force to be reckoned with for opposing defenses.

The backfield’s main centerpiece is Cam Skattebo, who is making a strong recovery from a serious injury. Behind him is Tyrone Tracy Jr., while Devin Singletary is currently the third option.

John Harbaugh also has Eric Gray and Damon Bankston as options if needed. Harris brings his experience to New York, on a team expected to be a contender starting in Week 1.

Harris’ last major injury

On September 21, 2025, Harris suffered a season-ending torn left Achilles tendon on a non-contact play during a Week 3 game against the Denver Broncos. The severe injury required surgery and sidelined him for the remainder of the 2025 season after appearing in just three games playing for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Now with the Giants, the former Alabama Crimson Tide player emerges as one of the team’s most accomplished running backs. If he stays healthy, he will undoubtedly be a great asset for Jaxson Dart.

Skattebo remains the first option

Cam Skattebo plans to improve a specific aspect of his game, which he said will be to “run through people instead of around them.” This warning to his opponents shows the level of optimism surrounding the RB heading into next season.

These words reflect the level of confidence Skattebo has in becoming one of Dart’s main weapons starting in Week 1. Avoiding injuries will be key, and from there, the Giants’ offense could impose its will against any opponent.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Harris visited the Giants. Harris saw his career come down as he suffered a scary incident the last fourth of July where his eyesight was compromised, and also had a ruptured Achilles injury.

Now, Harris went from a prospect of an RB1 to a depth piece, but could still be useful as he is a tough blocker and a great back after initial contact. However, Harris would have to compete with plenty of backs on the Giants roster.

Harris has plenty of names to beat on the Giants roster

The Giants have Cam Skattebo, Devin Singletary, Tyrone Tracy, Eric Gray, Damon Bankston, and Turbo Miller on the roster. Now, Miller is injured, and Gray and Bankston are not on Harris’ level, on paper.

His main competition would be both Singletary and Tracy. Now, Harris is a much better blocker than Tracy, who made John Harbaugh rant on the play where Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart went to the blue tent. As for Singletary, he is a much more physical back, but Singletary is very reliable.

Harris’ career stats

Before suffering the Achilles tear and then the eye injury, Harris was as reliable as a running back could be. During his first four seasons, Harris didn’t miss a game and surpassed the 1,000-yard mark in every single season.

He is also a great pass-catcher and barring the 2022 season, he had more yards after contact that that yards before contact. Hence, he is very resilient. Now, it’s time to see if he can earn a role on the Giants.

Giants insider Dan Duggan of The Athletic mentioned the veteran running back as a potential addition for the G-Men if he is able to regain his physical form in the short term.

“This is a sneaky position to watch for an addition before the opener. Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy are fine, but we know the Giants were open to upgrading to a premier back (Jeremiyah Love). There aren’t any of those available now, but I could see a vet signing (Najee Harris once healthy?) or a trade,” Duggan wrote on X.

In his latest stint with the Los Angeles Chargers, Harris missed almost the entire season with the Bolts due to a severe injury suffered in Week 3. Could he join a contender like the Giants ahead of what’s to come?

Dart’s ground options in NY

Heading into the 2026 NFL season, sophomore quarterback Jaxson Dart will feature a potent backfield tandem to anchor the team’s ground attack. Leading the group as RB1 is Cam Skattebo, returning fully healthy to bring a physical, hard-nosed running style that fits seamlessly into Greg Roman’s new power-run scheme.

Complementing Skattebo as the primary secondary weapon is Tyrone Tracy Jr., whose versatility and agility provide a dynamic change of pace to keep opposing defenses off balance and alleviate pressure on Dart throughout the campaign.

• Cam Skattebo
• Tyron Tracy Jr.
• Devin Singletary
• Eric Gray
• Dante Miller
• Damon Bankston

Can Harris regain his form?

During the Chargers’ Week 3 win over the Denver Broncos in 2025, Najee Harris suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon on a non-contact play during the second quarter. After planting his leg in the backfield, Harris collapsed to the turf and was carted off to the locker room, abruptly ending his first year in Los Angeles after signing a one-year deal with the franchise.

Prior to his injury, Harris was one of the most durable running backs in the NFL, never missing a game during his four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.