Expectations were high for running back Najee Harris this season. The Pittsburgh Steelers let James Conner leave via free agency and left the run game in the hands of the former Alabama star. It hasn’t been easy and it hasn’t always been pretty but Harris is gradually finding his place in the NFL and in this Steelers offense.
On Monday night against the Cleveland Browns, Harris set several milestones. Harris’ 188 rushing yards not only pushed him past 1,000 for the season but also helped him break the Steelers rookie rushing mark of 1,055 yards set by Franco Harris back in 1972.
Harris now has 1,172 rushing yards on the season which is good enough for fourth-best in the NFL. Harris is averaging 3.9 yards per carry which is the worst among those in the top five.
In addition, Harris has proven to be a competent outlet receiver with 70 catches for 440 receiving yards. Harris scored his seventh rushing touchdown of the year on Monday night, bringing him to 10 total touchdowns on the season.
