Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris has spent most of the offseason battling an eye injury stemming from a 4th of July celebration gone wrong. While the fifth-year veteran hasn’t played in the preseason and has missed large stretches of practice, a recent interview with General Manager Joe Hortiz suggests the running back is close to making his return.
According to Hortiz (via ESPN’s Kris Rhim), the running back is “doing great,” and “should be able to go, hopefully in Week 1.”
Najee Harris Doing “Great” In Injury Recovery, Could Play In Chargers-Chiefs Week 1
This report comes as something of a surprise, as the eye injury has prevented Najee Harris from practicing with the team. While he has gone through drills and workouts, as of this posting, he has yet to join the team for full-speed practices and did not appear in the preseason.
Even if Harris can suit up for Week 1, he probably won’t be the starting running back. Originally signed to a one-year deal in the offseason, Los Angeles wanted Harris to be the short-term starter while the team looked for a long-term option in the NFL Draft. They found their running back of the future in UNC’s Omarion Hampton, and the rookie has reportedly impressed throughout training camp and the preseason. While Harris may have kept him on the sideline if he were healthy, Hampton’s time as the offseason RB1 should allow him to retain that role in the season opener.
If Hampton hits the ground running, then this eye injury could effectively cost Najee Harris the starting job for the duration of the season. However, even if he is the backup, he should receive a decent amount of touches once he’s back to full speed. Head coach Jim Harbaugh loves to run the football, and Harris’s downhill style of play is perfect for the hard-nosed style of football synonymous with Harbaugh.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images
