Giants release Najee Harris two days after he voiced frustration with their running back rotation

The New York Giants are moving on from Najee Harris.

The team is releasing the veteran running back on Tuesday, two days after he got the start against the New Orleans Saints but finished with just four carries for two yards. That was the lowest total of the six Giants credited with a carry in the 34-27 home loss that dropped New York to 3-2-1.

Frustrated by the rotation

Harris made it clear after the game that he did not like the way the backfield was being split up.

"It's hard to get into a rhythm with one or two runs," Harris said Sunday. "The first couple runs you'll be like: OK, how are they playing me? And then the next ones will be like: This is how you attack it. But if you're getting a play here and you get taken out for a series, there's nothing you can do. That's why I'm saying I don't know. I've never been through this before."

The Giants dressed four running backs on Sunday in Harris, Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary. The group combined for just 34 rushing yards. Backup quarterback J.J. McCarthy led the team on the ground with 26 yards after he came on in relief of Jameis Winston.

Skattebo began the season as the top back but has lost work after four fumbles. He did not get a single carry against the Saints. Harris still ranks second on the team behind Skattebo with 99 rushing yards this season.

Harbaugh wants someone to take the job

Coach John Harbaugh said after the loss that no one has grabbed the role yet.

"All those guys were taking equal reps in the first half. We were trying to see who could make something happen, who could get a hot hand and earn it. Nobody has really taken the bull by the horns," Harbaugh said. "Somebody needs to step up and be the back. And none of those guys have done that yet."

Harris, 28, is in his sixth NFL season. The Pittsburgh Steelers took him in the first round of the 2021 draft and he spent four years there. He then signed with the Los Angeles Chargers but suffered a torn Achilles tendon before joining the Giants this offseason.