In a shocking turn of events, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ already challenging season has taken a major hit. Fans were left in disbelief as the team’s star running back, Najee Harris, announced that he is planning to leave the Steelers organization. This bombshell comes amidst reports that the Steelers have also lost another key running back, further plunging the team into a crisis as they try to salvage their offense.
Najee Harris Calls It Quits – What Led to This?
Najee Harris has been a cornerstone of the Steelers’ offense since being drafted in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Over his young career, Harris has demonstrated impressive durability, vision, and power, quickly becoming the team’s bell cow back. However, after a tumultuous start to the 2025 season—one that has been marred by injuries, internal tension, and a struggling offense—Harris made a surprising and unexpected announcement:
“I’ve made the decision to leave the Steelers. It’s been a tough choice, but it’s time for me to move on to something new. I need to find a situation where I feel like I can thrive and be part of a winning culture again.”
This statement from Harris immediately sent shockwaves through Pittsburgh’s fanbase and the NFL community at large. While Harris hasn’t revealed the specifics behind his departure, sources close to the team suggest that there has been growing frustration with the team’s lack of offensive progression under offensive coordinator Matt Canada and the overall atmosphere in the locker room.
Harris’s departure raises many questions: Was this move solely a football decision, or are there deeper personal and professional reasons that led him to walk away from Pittsburgh? Could the Steelers have done more to keep their star running back happy?
The Double Blow: Losing Two Running Backs
As if losing Harris wasn’t bad enough, the Steelers have also reportedly lost another key running back for an extended period due to injury. Jalen Warren, who had emerged as a reliable backup and change-of-pace back for Pittsburgh, has been placed on the injured reserve list after sustaining a serious knee injury during the Steelers’ Week 5 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
This leaves the Steelers with little to no depth at the running back position, as their third-string running back, Benny Snell Jr., has not shown the same level of effectiveness and has struggled with injuries of his own. The Steelers now face a critical gap in their backfield with two of their top options on the shelf, leaving the team with few realistic options to stay competitive in the short term.
What This Means for the Steelers Moving Forward
The timing of this blow couldn’t be worse for the Steelers. With a 2-3 record at the beginning of October, Pittsburgh is already teetering on the edge of playoff contention in the highly competitive AFC. Now, without their two best running backs, head coach Mike Tomlin and the rest of the coaching staff will need to get creative with their offensive game planning.
Rumors are swirling that the Steelers may look to make a trade for a veteran running back, or perhaps sign a free agent to help fill the void left by Harris and Warren. Potential candidates could include names like Ezekiel Elliott, Kareem Hunt, or Melvin Gordon, who are all available on the open market. However, finding a back who can make an immediate impact in the Steelers’ offense will be a tall order, especially with the team’s struggling offensive line and lack of explosive plays from the passing game.
Steelers fans will also be watching closely to see how rookie running back Anthony McFarland Jr. will perform in a more significant role, as he has shown flashes of potential but has yet to get consistent touches at the NFL level.
A Major Rebuilding Opportunity
While the loss of both Najee Harris and Jalen Warren is a gut-punch to the Steelers’ immediate playoff hopes, this could also signal an opportunity for the organization to hit the reset button and reevaluate their offensive philosophy. If the team cannot find a quick fix through trades or free-agent signings, Pittsburgh may be forced to rely more heavily on their passing game, potentially allowing young quarterback Kenny Pickett to take more control and develop into a more prominent leader for the franchise.
Be the first to comment