John Harbaugh’s Hopes for Giants’ Running Game

John Harbaugh is keen to move past the committee approach to the running back position for the Giants.

But he first needs someone to really step into a leading role.

“I would love for us to be in that kind of a circumstance,” Harbaugh expressed. “You know, like a Derrick Henry or a Saquon Barkley situation. That would be fantastic. However, our run game hasn’t earned that recognition yet, and neither have those players.”

It’s a bit ironic, really.

The Giants had Barkley for six seasons, yet general manager Joe Schoen chose to undervalue standout running backs, which led to Barkley signing with the Eagles after a protracted contract dispute over less than $1.5 million per year. Now, Barkley holds the title of NFL Offensive Player of the Year and is a Super Bowl champion.

In response, the team secured Devin Singletary at a lower cost and drafted Tyrone Tracy Jr. in the fifth round to form a tandem for 2024. They added Cam Skattebo in the fourth round of the 2025 draft. Harbaugh even brought in Najee Harris this summer.

However, this group managed only 14 carries for 34 yards against a rushing defense ranked 30th in the league, resulting in a 34-27 loss to the Saints. The Giants are currently placed 22nd in the league, averaging just 3.8 yards per carry this season.

“It’s disappointing,” Harbaugh admitted. “I expected our run game to perform better by now in terms of output and results, but it hasn’t materialized. We need to find a way to improve.”

“We’re not blocking effectively. We’re not running efficiently. We lack consistency and yards. The effort is there; it’s not a matter of trying. We have run the ball a lot, but we’re nowhere near the level we aspire to reach to be the team we want to be. We need to do it much more effectively.”

Skattebo was taken aback by the significant reduction in his role, going from averaging 18 touches per game to none, following a series of fumbling issues. Harris pointed out that it’s challenging for running backs to build a rhythm when their touches are divided among four players.

“I understand and respect that, but it’s also about earning your role,” Harbaugh noted.

Notably, Tracy scored two touchdowns—one rushing and one receiving—against the Saints.

“My advice would be to make the most of any chances you get, as it’ll lead to more opportunities,” Harbaugh suggested. “I get that players want to establish a rhythm, but that rhythm is something you have to earn, and it hasn’t been established yet. We certainly hope it will happen. A couple of weeks ago, we tried to move in that direction, but the running game didn’t show any significant improvement compared to our last game.”

So, what’s next? Harbaugh has witnessed varied approaches, from year-long committees to relying on workhorses like Henry during his time with the Ravens.

“I know that all these players, because I’ve had conversations with them, want to be the top guy,” Harbaugh said. “They’re not pushing for someone else; they’re striving for their opportunity. My advice is simple: seize the moment when you get the ball.”