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New York Giants Release Star Running Back In Shocking Move Out Of Nowhere

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This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

New York Giants players in a huddle.
New York Giants players (Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images)

The New York Giants are facing serious issues in their backfield in 2026.

Giants running back Cam Skattebo was benched and finished with zero touches in Week 6 after losing a costly overtime fumble in Week 5. Skattebo did not receive a single carry in the game on Sunday.

“I got punished for what I did (from last week). I understand it, so I gotta be ready when coach calls my name, and that wasn’t today,” the running back said after the game. “It’s hard, but I’ve made mistakes, and I got to own up to them.”

On Sunday, JJ McCarthy gained the most rushing yards on the team despite taking only two carries. Najee Harris, whom the team recently brought back, managed just two yards on four carries.

Four other players, including Jameis Winston, registered at least one carry in the 34-27 loss. Now, the front office is sending one player out the door.

Najee Harris Released by Giants in Surprise Roster Shakeup

Oct 18, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston (19) hands the ball to running back Najee Harris (23) against the New Orleans Saints during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

The New York Giants are releasing running back Najee Harris.

Harris was elevated to a starter for Sunday’s loss to the New Orleans Saints. He voiced frustration with his role after the contest. Harris would say to the media that “it’s hard to get in a rhythm with one or two plays.” He admitted that he has “never been through none of this before.”

Now he won’t be through it again after being released.

Also following the game, Harbaugh would be asked about Harris ‘ comments, saying that the rushing attack “hasn’t earned” a “circumstance” to that of Derrick Henry or Saquon Barkley.

“I do understand it, respect it. Also, understand that that’s earned. I would love for us to be in that kind of a circumstance, a Derrick Henry circumstance or the Saquon Barkley circumstance … that would be great,” Harbaugh said, per Greg Johnson.

“Our run game hasn’t earned that yet. None of those guys have. My advice would be to any player…’Do the most you can with the opportunities you get. Make the most of those opportunities, and you’re sure to get more opportunities.

Over five appearances with New York, Najee Harris gained just 99 yards on 31 carries and was a non-factor in the passing game.

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