Steelers' Mike Tolmin Reaches Out to Najee Harris
DUBLIN, IRELAND -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have been dealing with injuries of their own, but one of their former stars was hit with something more significant than anything the black and gold roster has dealt with this season.
Former first-round pick and now Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris will miss the entire year after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in Week 3 of the NFL season. Harris, who signed a one-year deal with the Chargers in free agency, stepped back to begin making his way toward the line of scrimmage when his Achilles popped, being caught on camera as his calf muscle tensed.
Harris will miss his fifth NFL season just three weeks into the year and will hit free agency again next offseason after the significant injury.
The news also came after Harris was injured during a fireworks accident on the Fourth of July. He suffered an eye injury at the time, missing most of training camp, but being able to play when the team took the field in Week 1.
Mike Tomlin Speaks With Harris
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin always viewed Harris as a key piece to his roster, and a leader amongst the group. Harris was named team captain during just his second season, and Tomlin and him were constantly see walking off the field together and talk before and after games.
Tomlin acknowledged that he did reach out to Harris after the injury during his press conference at the Carton House prior to the Steelers' Ireland matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.
"We've certainly been in contact, but I'll leave that communication between us," Tomlin said.
Harris rushed for 1,000 yards each of his first four seasons in the NFL, all with the Steelers. He started and played in every game during his first four years as a player. This included times where he missed entire practice weeks due to injuries but was still able to suit up before kickoff.
There are plenty of questions about Harris's future in the NFL now that he's been banged up with serious injuries twice since leaving the Steelers. As a former first-round pick with four solid years under his belt, some team will likely keep him on his radar, but it'll be a long road before he returns. One that never leaves certainty for a player.
As for Tomlin, he's focused on the Steelers and keeping his team above .500 with a win over the Vikings. But he's also taking moments to check in on those who coached before the season.
Dan Quinn’s Revenge Mission: The Key to the Commanders’ Revival
The Washington Commanders have struggled to find consistency in recent seasons, but all that could change with one pivotal figure leading the charge: Dan Quinn. As the Commanders prepare to face off against the Atlanta Falcons, the narrative surrounding Quinn’s return to his former team has generated plenty of buzz — but it’s the understated revenge mission that could ignite Washington’s season.
A Coach with Something to Prove
Dan Quinn, the Commanders' head coach, left Atlanta after a tumultuous tenure in which he led the Falcons to a Super Bowl appearance but was ultimately dismissed after a series of underwhelming seasons. His return to Atlanta on October 5, 2025, isn’t just a typical game on the schedule; it’s a chance for Quinn to prove he’s learned from his past, that he’s evolved, and most importantly, that he’s still one of the league’s top minds in coaching.
Quinn’s tenure in Atlanta was marked by flashes of brilliance, particularly on defense, but his inability to push the Falcons over the hump — even with a talented roster — led to his eventual firing. Since taking over the Commanders, Quinn has rebuilt his reputation, bringing a new sense of discipline and focus to Washington's defense. The team’s defensive line, led by standout players like Jonathan Allen and Montez Sweat, has become one of the most formidable in the NFL, but this is still Dan Quinn’s team. The stakes couldn’t be higher for him to prove he’s more than just the coach who couldn’t finish the job in Atlanta.
The Revenge Factor
While Quinn maintains a composed, professional demeanor, it’s clear that this matchup with the Falcons holds a deeper significance. Quinn isn’t returning to Atlanta just for another game; he’s returning to settle old scores. “They think I’ve left the past behind? Wrong. I’m not coming back to Atlanta as a guest — I’m coming back to
The revenge factor is real, and it could be just what the Commanders need to break through in a tightly contested NFC East. Quinn’s leadership and determination to succeed in Atlanta once and for all could light a fire under his players, especially on the defensive side of the ball. If the Commanders are to turn their season around, this emotional matchup could serve as the catalyst for their success.
A Turning Point for the Commanders
Washington has shown flashes of promise in recent seasons but has never quite been able to put it all together. This year, however, there’s a renewed sense of energy, fueled in large part by Quinn’s defensive overhaul and the leadership of quarterback Sam Howell, who has shown growth and poise in his second season.
A win against the Falcons would not only be a monumental moment for Quinn but would also give the Commanders a boost in the NFC playoff race. If they can build on this emotional victory, they could ride the momentum for the remainder of the season.
But the true test for Quinn and Washington lies in their ability to keep the fire alive. A victory in Atlanta would prove that the Commanders aren’t just a team on the rise — they’re a team with something to prove, led by a coach who has unfinished business.
The Road Ahead
For Dan Quinn, this isn't just a football game. It's a chance to erase the demons of the past and cement his place as one of the league’s most respected coaches. The Commanders’ season could very well be defined by the outcome of this game, and if Quinn can successfully channel his desire for redemption into his team’s performance, Washington could be poised for a deep playoff run.
As Quinn heads back to Atlanta, it’s clear that he’s not just coaching for a win — he’s coaching for something much bigger: his legacy.
