Steelers' Harris active for TNF despite knee injury

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris is active for Thursday's game against the New England Patriots, the team announced.

Harris was originally listed as questionable with a knee injury. His status was a major concern after he failed to practice Tuesday and Wednesday ahead of the prime-time game.

The Steelers will likely need to rely on their ground game against New England, with quarterback Kenny Pickett sidelined after undergoing surgery for a high ankle sprain. Mitchell Trubisky will play in place of Pickett, who's expected to miss at least several weeks.

Harris is on pace to fall just short of his third straight 1,000-yard season after racking up 661 yards and four touchdowns through 12 games in 2023.

The 25-year-old has split time with the explosive Jaylen Warren this season. Warren is averaging an NFL-high 5.9 yards per carry after producing 601 yards on only 102 rushes while also adding 243 yards as a receiver.

The 7-5 Steelers are looking to maintain their AFC playoff spot on Thursday amid an intense wild-card race that includes six other teams with either six or seven wins entering Week 14.