Najee Harris Projected to Lead Giants Backfield in Week 6

Najee Harris is expected to take on a larger role in the New York Giants backfield against the New Orleans Saints in Week 6, shifting away from Cam Skattebo following a series of costly fumbles, according to reporting published on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026.

Backfield Shakeup for the New York Giants Against the New Orleans Saints

The New York Giants are altering their running back rotation ahead of their Sunday game against the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium. ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reported on Sunday morning that veteran running back Najee Harris is in line for a bigger workload, marking a notable shift after Cam Skattebo held the primary role through the first five weeks of the regular season.

The adjustment comes after Skattebo accumulated four fumbles across five games, including a critical giveaway in overtime during the team’s tie with the Washington Commanders. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN also reported that Harris is set to start at running back against New Orleans. While Skattebo remains part of the offensive strategy, his playing time is expected to decrease as the coaching staff institutes a more active backfield rotation.

Production Metrics and Fumble Troubles Behind the Shift

Skattebo entered Week 6 ranked as the league’s 16th-leading rusher with 294 yards on 81 carries and one touchdown, alongside 10 receptions for 79 yards. However, advanced metrics highlight struggles with efficiency and ball security. He averages 0.72 yards before contact, ranking 35th out of 41 qualifying running backs, while his 2.91 yards after contact per carry places him 20th.

Expectation is there will be a change to the Giants RB rotation, per sources. Najee Harris is likely to have a larger role with Cam Skattebo downgraded but still part of the mix after the fumbles.

Jordan Raanan, via The Big Lead

Harris has logged 27 carries for 97 yards so far this season. Both running backs share a 3.6 yards-per-carry average, reflecting an overall lack of explosive output from the ground game. When asked on Friday about managing struggling players, Giants head coach John Harbaugh addressed accountability without citing specific personnel decisions.

I don’t know that there is really a rule for it. It’s case-by-case. It depends on your options. It depends on what you’re talking about.

John Harbaugh, New York Giants head coach

Harbaugh added that player establishment and situational options dictate how the coaching staff handles performance dips, noting when pressed on accountability, Of course. Yes, there is a point.

Roster Adjustments and Expanded Running Back Depth

To accommodate the shifting backfield, the Giants made a specific roster move before Sunday’s kickoff. The team elevated outside linebacker Trace Ford from the practice squad for his third elevation of the year, leaving the active receiving corps at four players with Malik Nabers, Malachi Fields, Darnell Mooney, and Charlie Jones. Carrying only four wide receivers clears room to keep all four running backs active against the Saints.

Alongside Skattebo and Harris, Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracy Jr. are expected to be active. Singletary has been a healthy scratch for the past three weeks and has recorded nine carries this season, while Tracy has logged seven attempts. Singletary’s ability to contribute on special teams adds another dimension to how the coaching staff intends to distribute personnel.

Fantasy analysts note that the unfolding committee approach creates uncertainty for managers relying on the backfield. While Harris offers upside for managers stashing him on benches, the fluctuating touch distribution makes both primary options difficult to trust in starting lineups for Week 6.

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