Najee Harris Walking Fine Line in Preseason Action

The Pittsburgh Steelers' top back wants to play, but avoid injury as well.

LATROBE -- Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris sat out the majority of the preseason in 2022 after suffering a linsfranc sprain in his foot, but still made an appearance during exhibition games against the preseason finale against the Detroit Lions, rushing four times for 10 yards while shaking off some rust. 

Harris was all in on preseason participation last year, saying that he needed the live action to get back up to speed after spending so long on the sideline, but he has approached 2023 with more caution. 

"You wouldn't want guys to play the whole game," Harris said. "I'm not coach, obviously, but you'd want to give guys a couple of series, get some film out there so when we come back we can look at it, correct it, see what we can do better. But there's a fine line."

Head coach Mike Tomlin said the Steelers will play their starters in the preseason opener against Tampa Bay at the end of this week. Anyone available will see action. 

“All that are healthy are scheduled to play at this juncture," Tomlin said. "How much they’ll play is to be determined.”

Harris also said preseason reps are important but that he isn't concerning himself with how much he personally plays. That's up to Tomlin.  

"He's the head honcho, so whatever he says goes," Harris said. "If he plays me, he plays me."

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