Steelers running back Najee Harris has attributed his brief first-quarter sideline stint during Pittsburgh’s 44-38 victory over the Bengals to overindulging in a Thanksgiving dish.
In a postgame press conference, Harris revealed that the dish, prepared by teammate Pat Freiermuth’s girlfriend, affected his performance during the team’s second drive at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday.
“Thanksgiving, Pat’s girlfriend, Jill, she made this fire-ass little banana thing,” Harris said. “I had too much. I guess I didn’t know it affected me until that first drive. So, I blame her.”
Harris initially appeared to suffer a leg injury after slowing down on a screen pass early in the game, leading him to briefly leave the field, according to the New York Post.
However, Harris later downplayed the incident, stating he felt fine after eating some oranges.
The Pro Bowl running back re-entered the game during the Steelers’ fourth possession, scoring a 10-yard touchdown.
Harris would go on to have a productive day, rushing for 75 yards on 16 carries and catching six passes for 64 yards.
After the Steelers’ AFC North showdown victory, Harris celebrated with head coach Mike Tomlin in the locker room, sharing a video of the moment on his Instagram Story.
The Steelers (9-3) will next face the Browns (3-8) in Pittsburgh on December 8.
