PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the fourth season in a row during Wednesday’s loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. He hit the milestone on a 6-yard gain in the game’s final minute, his last carry of the day.
Najee Harris finished the day with 13 carries for 74 yards. He hasn’t yet had a season as a pro without going for 1,000 yards on the ground. He ranked fifth in the AFC in rushing yardage coming into Wednesday.
Harris entered the Christmas Day matchup having carried the ball 238 times for 933 yards and five touchdowns. Heading into this season, he’d had the most touches (978) of any player in the NFL since the Steelers drafted him 24th overall in 2021.
As of Wednesday morning, according to Statmuse, Harris had accounted for the fifth-most rushing yards (4,202) in the league since he entered it. Baltimore’s Derrick Henry (5,278), Philadelphia’s Saquon Barkley (4,705), Green Bay’s Josh Jacobs (4,546), and Indianapolis’ Jonathan Taylor (4,542) are the only tailbacks with more production during that time.
Also, Harris had played more games (66) than them all, and his 1,072 totes were second only to Henry (1,126). Impressively, Harris hasn’t missed a game due to injury during his tenure with the Steelers.
Despite his numbers and durability, the Steelers didn’t pick up Harris’ fifth-year option last off-season, a move that Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan said was “a business decision.” Harris admitted the decision disappointed him when he spoke to reporters in July, but he’s responded with another steady showing.
The Steelers will have another decision to make after this season — give Harris a new contract or let him walk.