{"id":247749,"date":"2025-09-23T09:00:05","date_gmt":"2025-09-23T13:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=247749"},"modified":"2025-09-25T10:25:24","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T14:25:24","slug":"najee-harris-injury-leaves-chargers-looking-to-next-man-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/09\/23\/najee-harris-injury-leaves-chargers-looking-to-next-man-up\/","title":{"rendered":"Najee Harris Injury Leaves Chargers Looking to the Next Man Up"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether it was an accidental firework injury to Najee Harris’ eye, sparking rumors of him being for the season, or Harris earning more and more playing time<\/a> due to a struggling rookie Omarion Hampton, the former Pittsburgh Steelers first-round pick has had a tumultuous timeline as the Los Angeles Chargers’ marquee off-season signee<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Week 3 against the Denver Broncos, Harris is likely to see the headlines one last time. He started off the game with impressive pass protection, powerful runs to garner a 4.7 yards per carry, and a spark for this struggling Chargers rushing attack. Then, disaster struck on a play-action pass where Harris simply fell awkwardly and injured what looked to be his Achilles.<\/p>\n

It was later confirmed to be a season-ending torn Achilles<\/a> injury for Harris, now leading the Chargers to rely on their rookie running back, Omarion Hampton, to carry the bulk of the load. Doing so while looking for other backs on the roster to give rest to Hampton.<\/p>\n

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Sep 21, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (8) leaves the field after defeating the Denver Broncos 23-20 at SoFi Stadium.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Chargers RB Najee Harris Out For Season, Who’s The Next Man Up?<\/h2>\n

On Roster Chargers Runningback Options<\/h3>\n

As discussed, Chargers rookie first-round selection<\/a>, running back Omarion Hampton, will be the next man up. After the rookie, it is quite grim, allowing the Chargers to truly evaluate who they have further down the depth chart and practice squad.<\/p>\n

The other Chargers running back on the roster is Hassan Haskins, who has shown flashes with the Chargers, as a receiver, pass protector and rusher<\/a>. His three-down ability, coupled with immense special teams capability, allows Haskins to be the first option to replace Harris after his injury.<\/p>\n

Practice Squad Replacements – An Underrated Intriguing Option<\/h3>\n

Beyond Haskins, Kimani Vidal and Amar Johnson<\/a> are on the practice squad, ready to hear their name called. Vidal was already mentioned to be the “next man up”<\/a> after the Najee Harris injury, giving Chargers fans some hope that their former sixth-round pick will pay off the capital the Chargers spent on him in 2024. The product out of Troy struggled mightily in pass protection in his first season<\/a> with the Chargers, but showed some flashes as a runner and receiver, allowing for the Bolts to keep him around on the practice squad in 2025.<\/p>\n

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kimani vidal's first nfl touch is a td <\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcfa | @nfloncbs<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/D8GD2ZOroo<\/a><\/p>\n

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) October 13, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n