CINCINNATI — Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris is being evaluated after suffering a foot injury in the fourth quarter of his team’s 23-20 season-opening win over the Cincinnati Bengals, but his injury is not believed to be a long-term ailment.
I'm told the Najee Harris injury is not considered a big deal. #Steelers
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) September 11, 2022
According to Mike Giardi of NFL Network, Harris’ injury is not severe. Head coach Mike Tomlin said after the game only that Harris is being evaluated for a foot injury. Harris left the game late in the fourth quarter and jogged off before watching the remainder of the game from the sideline. The Steelers immediately ruled him out for the rest of the game. He was replaced by rookie Jaylen Warren, who rushed three times for seven yards in his first professional game.
Harris did not appear to be in any significant physical discomfort while leaving the locker room, though he was reported to be seen later with a boot on his foot.
Just saw Najee Harris walking out of the Steelers locker room with a boot on
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) September 11, 2022
The Steelers’ first-round draft pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Harris is expected to shoulder a major load for the Steelers this season. He led all NFL running backs in snaps played as a rookie last season, and the Steelers made little attempt to improve the depth of the position behind him this offseason, so he is expected to play a large role once again.
Warren and Benny Snell Jr. are the only two backup running backs on the roster, with Anthony McFarland Jr. on the practice squad. Harris finished the game with 10 carries for 23 yards and caught two passes for three yards and one touchdown. Snell did not take an offensive snap.
The Steelers will return to Pittsburgh on Sunday, and Tomlin will likely update the media on the status of Harris and the Steelers multiple other injuries from Sunday on Tuesday.