Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin had some sharp words for Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris following their Week 4 matchup on Sunday afternoon. Franklin, who recorded nine tackles during the game, seemed to take offense to Harris’ pre-game gesture as the Steelers player walked out of the tunnel at Lucas Oil Stadium, holding up two middle fingers.
The Colts came out on top with a 27-24 victory, and Harris was largely contained by Indianapolis’ defense, managing only 19 rushing yards. Franklin didn’t hold back after the game, calling out Harris on social media, specifically referencing the running back’s lackluster performance.
“Kid is soft. 84 run harder,” Franklin wrote on X, taking a jab at Harris while pointing to Cordarrelle Patterson, who had a more effective outing earlier in the day, rushing for 43 yards on six carries.
The online exchange didn’t stop there. When former NFL player Darius Butler responded with crying-laughing emojis, Franklin doubled down on his critique, adding, “If I’m lying, I’m flying.”
Harris, however, chose not to engage and has not responded to Franklin’s taunt on X.
The standout linebacker has been a consistent force for the Colts this season, with 41 total tackles and a forced fumble to his name after the Week 4 win. The victory improved Indianapolis’ record to 2-2, showing they are still very much in the hunt this season.
As for Harris, his outing against the Colts marked his least productive game of the year. In contrast, he had rushed for at least 69 yards in each of the previous three games. The Steelers, who were undefeated going into Week 4, suffered their first loss of the season.
Thus far, Harris has amassed 228 rushing yards on 68 carries, along with 10 receptions for 84 yards. However, he’s yet to find the end zone, a statistic he’ll likely aim to change in the coming weeks as Pittsburgh looks to bounce back from the defeat.
