Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris suffered an eye injury in a fireworks accident on the Fourth of July, and a recent report indicates the ailment could keep him sidelined for a portion of the regular season. According to Daniel Popper of The Athletic, the former first-round pick could start the year on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list. If this happens, Harris will miss at least the first four weeks of the 2025 season.
Report: Najee Harris Could Begin Season On the Non-Football Injury List
Harris entered the league as a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Alabama product never lived up to his first-round potential but proved to be an adequate starter. Recording 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first four years in the league, Harris made a name for himself as a physical, downhill runner whose style of play would have complemented head coach Jim Harbaugh’s offensive philosophy.
If this injury sidelines Najee Harris for four weeks, then first-round pick Omarion Hampton should receive a massive workload. Selected out of UNC, the rookie is essentially a more explosive Harris, as he possesses the same physical downhill style but offers more acceleration and burst. He’s also a solid receiving back, although nobody would confuse him with prime Alvin Kamara.
As of this posting, Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal will fight for the RB2 job with Harris sidelined. Both players have primarily made their living on special teams up to this point in time, so they probably won’t challenge Hampton for touches. Unless the Chargers trade for Brian Robinson or add another established name, the rookie should be a prominent member of this offense from Day 1.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images
