Steelers aiming to lower Najee Harris' workload in Year 2

The Pittsburgh Steelers would like to lessen the burden on running back Najee Harris in his second season.

The Pro Bowl tailback doesn't expect to replicate his high usage in 2022.

"We are doing that a lot this year (that) I will not be on the field, I guess, (as much)," Harris said, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Chris Adamski. "I will be on the field a lot - but on certain downs, I will not be on the field. Just (pick my spots), I guess. Extra rest."

Harris led the league in offensive snaps played (980) and touches (381) as a rookie last season.

The 24-year-old exceeded the snap count of Dallas Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott and Indianapolis Colts' Jonathan Taylor.

Harris quickly became a focal point of the Steelers' offense, racking up 307 carries for 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns alongside 74 receptions for 467 yards and 10 total touchdowns.

Pittsburgh could also opt to lighten Harris' workload by establishing a reliable second option in the backfield. Benny Snell, Kalen Ballage, and Anthony McFarland are among halfbacks that could help to keep Harris fresh.

The Steelers are preparing for their first season following Ben Roethlisberger's retirement. A quarterback competition between Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph, and rookie Kenny Pickett will determine a successor at the position.

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