Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris will be on the field Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.
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Harris was seen wearing a sling on Monday; however, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday that “Naj will be ready to rock and roll,” according to The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo.
Harris has been a focal point in the Steelers’ run-heavy offense, carrying the ball just under 20 times per game through the first three weeks. Harris has totaled 209 yards at 3.8 yards per attempt.
This includes ranking 16th in total yards after contact, 12th in missed tackles forced, and 14th in rushes of 10-plus yards, according to PFF.
After getting gashed in the run game by Houston and Green Bay the first two weeks, the Colts run defense had a much-needed bounce back performance against the Bears, holding Chicago to just 63 yards on 28 rushes.
The Steelers, however, have shown to be a much more committed team when it comes to the run, ranking second in rush attempts per game while the Bears ranked 22nd. The Steelers are averaging only 3.6 yards per rush as a team, which ranks 28th, but they are 12th in total rushing yards per game in part due to their stick-to-itiveness.
Quarterback Justin Fields has played a role in that as well, with 90 rushing yards on 28 carries–the fourth-most attempts among quarterbacks.
As we saw against the Bears, overall success for the Colts’ defense begins against the run. Slowing that element down will put the opposing offense in more predictable passing situations, allowing the pass rush to pin its ears back.
Also of note from DeFabo, Tomlin would also add that running back Jaylen Warren’s status is in question at this time.
Warren is averaging 3.9 yards per rush on 14 carries and has caught five passes for 28 yards.