Steelers training camp buzz: Najee Harris called out, Kenny Pickett’s leap, no Kwon Alexander handouts

Steelers News: Najee Harris gets called about by LB Elandon Roberts

Elandon Roberts was signed by the Steelers in free agency as one of several pieces who are emblematic of a defensive retooling taking place in Pittsburgh this offseason. A longtime NFL veteran who has been on numerous playoff teams, he’s making an impact right away — not the least of which is demanding more out of third-year running back Najee Harris.

During a July 28 practice, Roberts crashed downhill and forced Harris out of bounds for a negligible gain on the play. After the whistle, though, the veteran linebacker didn’t let it die there, looking at the running back and telling him, “You better pick up your f*****g head,” as reported by Mark Kaboly of The Athletic (subscription required).

Amid the NFL’s ongoing running back drama featuring the likes of Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Jonathan Taylor, Harris is likely to be one of the next focal points of that conversation with just one year remaining on his rookie deal (not including the fifth-year option for the 2025 season that’s yet to be decided upon).

Though Harris has notched at least 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns in each of his first two pro seasons, he’s also averaged fewer than 4.0 yards per carry in each. With the improvements to the offensive line, the potential steps forward for Pickett and the passing offense, and the running back contract discussions, though, the pressure is on the former Alabama star to deliver his best season yet.

Roberts calling out Harris didn’t result in anything beyond just that, which is what you want to see if you’re a Steelers fan. A veteran player, even a newcomer, wanting to see more from a former first-round pick in a big spot to prove himself is the type of culture that breeds excellence.