Steelers RB Najee Harris wise to decline interviews at OTAs

Najee Harris won’t address the media until training camp.

According to beat writer Joe Rutter, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris will not be doing any interviews during OTAs or minicamps and will address the media during training camp in late July.

Harris has opted not to talk to the media right now after the team decided not to pick up his fifth-year option. This means Harris will be playing in 2024 without any security for the future with the Steelers.

This alone might not be a reason for Harris to avoid reporters but after rumors swirled that Harris might have been the one who asked not to have his fifth-year option picked up because he’s ready to move on from the Steelers, Harris is wise to avoid those types of distractions.

Harris has been a steady, productive performer in his first three seasons in Pittsburgh. He’s topped 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first three seasons despite questionable offensive line and quarterback play. Harris should have things a bit easier this season with the addition of new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in charge and two new offensive linemen.

However, the presence of running back Jaylen Warren muddies the waters as the team might want to transition to him as the feature back this season.

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Steelers HC Mike Tomlin eases concerns with Najee Harris sidelined at minicamp

Steelers HC Mike Tomlin said that Najee Harris not participating in practice is not health-related.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris was in sweats on Wednesday after missing minicamp on Tuesday, according to TribLive’s Joe Rutter.

Mike Tomlin eased concerns when reporters pressed him on the topic. “Not anything that is going to be an issue whatsoever regarding health,” he said, noting that Cam Heyward also did not practice.

If it’s not a health issue, though, what are their absences regarding? I’m sure we’ll never find out unless it becomes a bigger deal.

Both players are in the final year of their contracts.

 

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