Concern ‘high’ about Najee Harris’ availability after he again misses Steelers practice

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris missed practice for a second consecutive day Thursday because of an elbow injury suffered during last week’s game.

Coach Mike Tomlin, though, said Harris is “scheduled to” practice Friday, the final session before Sunday’s AFC wild-card playoff game at the Kansas City Chiefs.

“I think that’s going to be telling for us,” Tomlin said after Thursday’s practice at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

Harris was limited to only 40 of the Steelers’ 76 offensive snaps during this past Sunday’s win at the Baltimore Ravens. Harris suffered the injury during the first quarter and did not play again until the latter stages of the third quarter. He did have 11 touches the rest of the way, and Tomlin on Sunday and again Tuesday did not sound alarmed about Harris’ availability for the playoff game.

That was before Harris sat out practice twice, though. Harris set the Steelers’ rookie rushing record after being their first-round pick last spring.

“My concern is high,” offensive coordinator Matt Canada said Thursday of Harris’ status. “Obviously, I want him to be at full strength. When you have injury like that … until we get to Sunday, you never know how that’s going to play out.

“We’re certainly hopeful he can go play. If not, (Kalen Ballage) and (Benny Snell) will go in and do a really good job for us.”

Backup running backs Ballage and Snell combined for only 2.8 yards per carry on 48 attempts this season.

Also missing practice Thursday was a new addition to the injury report: starting right guard Trai Turner, who has a knee injury.

Starting left tackle Dan Moore Jr. (ankle) and starting nickel cornerback Arthur Maulet (concussion) practiced fully Thursday.

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