Steelers running back Najee Harris suffers head injury vs. Chargers

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris exited Sunday night’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers with a head injury. The rookie playmaker took a forearm to the facemask while falling toward the ground during the fourth quarter, drawing criticism from analysts concerned about player safety.

NBC Sports sideline reporter Michele Tafoya reports that Najee Harris is currently in the Steelers locker room completing concussion protocol after the head injury. With just over two minutes remaining, he was cleared to return and entered for the Steelers.

On first-and-10 from the Steelers 36-yard line, Ben Roethlisberger checked down to Najee Harris in the flat. His legs were taken out by Chargers cornerback Tevaughn Campbell, leaving him sideways on his way to the ground. On his way down, linebacker Kyzir White dove with his arm extended into the running back’s helmet.

Really ugly shot to the head Najee Harris took. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/NEaigKGBxG

— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) November 22, 2021

The Steelers now lean on backup running backs Kalen Ballage and Benny Snell Jr. as they look to complete a comeback against the Chargers.

Steelers make roster move

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made their final roster moves ahead of a Sunday night matchup with the Chargers. The great news: quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is back. However, several other stars are set to miss action.

The veteran missed Week 10 because of COVID-19 protocols but has been activated for Sunday. That means Mason Rudolph, who started in his place against the Lions to the tune of 242 yards and a touchdown, will revert to a backup role.

Pittsburgh also placed offensive lineman Kevin Dotson on Injured Reserve. The Steelers starting left guard injured his ankle this past week and will be out at least three more. JC Hassenauer, who is typically a backup center/guard, started in Dotson’s place before suffering a shoulder injury. Now Joe Haeg, normally listed as backup left tackle, is in at guard for the Steelers.

In its last roster move prior to the game against the Chargers, the Steelers also activated safety Karl Joseph. He has appeared in only one game this season. A former first-round pick, Joseph has accumulated 303 tackles (11 for loss), five interceptions, five fumble recoveries and 19 passes defended throughout 64 career games.

His addition to the active roster will provide much-needed depth to a Steelers secondary already dealing with a pair of crucial injuries. All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (COVID-19 protocols) and cornerback Joe Haden (foot) will not play Sunday.

Pittsburgh struggled without Roethlisberger in Week 10, tying a Detroit team that entered the week without a win. The defense was porous, giving up 229 yards on the ground.