Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh was non-committal about the status of running back Najee Harris (eye) for the start of the regular season, saying, "there's a chance he is" when asked if Harris is playing in Week 1. Harris was injured on July 4 due to a fireworks mishap and has spent training camp on the non-football injury list as a result. Los Angeles signed Harris to a one-year deal in free agency this past offseason, and he's expected to share carries with rookie first-rounder Omarion Hampton. If Harris does miss time, Hampton could be in line for a large workload right away. Even if Harris avoids being sidelined for regular season action, the training camp absence may have put him behind Hampton in the backfield pecking order. With the current uncertainty, Hampton profiles as a fringe RB1 in fantasy, while Harris is more of a depth piece/handcuff option.
Aug 8, 2025 6:18 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that running back Najee Harris (eye) is getting better and that Harris is walking laps around the field during training camp practices as part of his rehab process. However, there's still no timetable for his return, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. Harris suffered a superficial eye injury in a fireworks accident on the Fourth of July and was placed on the Non-Football Injury list at the start of training camp in mid-July. While the former Steeler has been at the team's facilities and taking part in meetings, he has yet to get on the field heading into his first year with the team. The 27-year-old is expected to be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season in early September, but each day he misses practice is another day that rookie first-rounder Omarion Hampton becomes much more intriguing in fantasy as L.A.'s primary backfield weapon.
Aug 4, 2025 3:21 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris (eye) worked off to the side during Saturday's practice. While he seemingly still has a way to go before potentially getting cleared for Week 1, his presence on Saturday was at least a positive step in the right direction. The 27-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Chargers in March after spending his first four years in the National Football League in Pittsburgh. He had more than a few productive outings with the Steelers, amassing 4,312 yards off 1,097 carries while totaling 34 touchdowns in 68 regular-season contests. Harris needs to get cleared as soon as possible. If he remains limited and is ruled out heading into the opener versus the Chiefs on September 5, Omarion Hampton will have a chance to lock up even more touches out of the backfield moving ahead.
Aug 2, 2025 9:59 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said at training camp on Tuesday that there's still no timeline for running back Najee Harris (eye) to return to practice. The Chargers will play their first preseason game on Thursday against the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame game, and Harris hasn't been on the practice field at all with his new team after injuring his eye during a fireworks accident back on the Fourth of July. The Chargers are optimistic that Harris will be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season in early September, but with him missing all this crucial practice time, the odds of rookie first-rounder Omarion Hampton seizing lead-back work increases each day Harris is absent. The former Steelers RB has been consistent so far in his NFL career, but he lacks big-play ability and could be working behind Hampton all year.
Jul 29, 2025 7:13 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris (eye) is on the mend from a fireworks-related eye injury that has landed him on the non-football injury list to start training camp. However, Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz says there's "no rush" to get Harris back on the field at this point in the summer. Harris signed a one-year deal with the Chargers this past offseason after spending the first four years of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He's never missed a game in his career, and he rushed for over 4,300 yards and 28 touchdowns in Pittsburgh. The Chargers used a first-round pick on running back Omarion Hampton in the 2025 draft, and Hampton and Harris project to share touches in the team's backfield this season. However, with each day Harris misses, Hampton could be getting closer and closer to seizing the lead role.
Jul 28, 2025 4:18 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh noted that he's unsure if running back Najee Harris (eye) will be back for training camp as he heals from a recent fireworks mishap. "He's healing and doing everything he can to get back on the field," Harbaugh said on Tuesday. Yikes. Since news broke of the fifth-year pro's injury, the reports have been conflicting. Nonetheless, this is troubling news for Harris, as his timeline to return seems unclear. The recent addition of veteran running back/kick returner Nyheim Hines doesn't quell any worries surrounding the former Pittsburgh Steeler either. Harris' initial diagnosis was deemed superficial, so he shouldn't miss too much time. However, this leaves the door open for rookie rusher Omarion Hampton to seize increased volume ahead of schedule. This situation warrants close monitoring.
Jul 22, 2025 4:28 PM EST
A video of Los Angeles Chargers running back drills posted by Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Times shows that Najee Harris (eye) is still missing from the team's on-field activities. Harris suffered an eye injury on July 4 after a fireworks-related mishap and currently sits on the Non-Football Injury List. He's reportedly been participating in team meetings, but it's currently unclear how long he'll be held out of practice. Harris signed a one-year deal with the Chargers in the offseason after spending four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He rushed for 1,043 yards and six touchdowns in 2024 and has yet to miss a game in his NFL career. It appears that ironman streak could be in jeopardy in 2025, although there's plenty of time remaining in the offseason for him to fully recover. Chargers first-round rookie Omarion Hampton's stock should rise with each day that Harris is unable to play.
Jul 21, 2025 3:06 PM EST
According to Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, running back Najee Harris (eye) has reported to the team's facility. "He's in meetings," Harbaugh stated. "Just great to have him, a lot of gratitude that he's here." The 2021 No. 24 overall pick spent four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers to begin his career. He appeared in 68 regular-season contests for the club, totaling 4,312 yards on the ground and 180 receptions for 1,149 receiving yards while totaling 34 touchdowns. Harris inked a one-year deal with Los Angeles in March. Unfortunately, he suffered an eye injury during a fireworks incident on July 4. Harris currently sits on the Non-Football Injury List, so it's not a positive start to his career with the Chargers. However, he's expected to be ready to go for Week 1. With that in mind, it's certainly a situation worth monitoring heading into the opener. If Harris doesn't progress from the injury as initially anticipated, rookie Omarion Hampton's fantasy stock will rise even higher. Either way, fantasy managers can consider drafting both for insurance purposes.
Jul 19, 2025 8:18 PM EST
The Hindustan Times reports that the Los Angeles Chargers have not physically seen running back Najee Harris (eye) since he suffered a superficial eye injury during a fireworks accident on the Fourth of July. Despite having not seen Harris yet, general manager Joe Hortiz said that Harris has been in "good spirits" and "everything that has been relayed to us is positive." Harris is undergoing treatment for his injury at Stanford and was placed on the Non-Football Injury list earlier this week. The 27-year-old is missing the start of training camp this week due to his eye injury, but he's not expected to be out for long and is fully expected to be ready to roll by Week 1 in early September. Still, it's a bad start for Harris in his first year in L.A. after the Bolts took big-play back Omarion Hampton in the first round in April. RotoBaller has Harris ranked as the RB36 after his fireworks mishap.
Jul 19, 2025 1:55 PM EST
The Los Angeles Chargers officially announced on Thursday that they placed running back Najee Harris (eye) on the Non-Football Injury list after he suffered a superficial eye injury during a fireworks mishap back on the Fourth of July. While Harris is expected to be a full-go for the start of the 2025 regular season in early September, he isn't going to be on the field for the start of training camp on Thursday. It's not a great start for the 27-year-old's first year in L.A., especially after they drafted big-play RB Omarion Hampton in the first round in April, but Harris is not expected to be out for long in camp and can be activated from the NFI list at any time. Despite his injury being minor, it will make Hampton more attractive as an RB2 in fantasy with upside going into his first NFL campaign. Harris has four straight 1,000-yard seasons, but his big-play ability has been lacking.
Jul 17, 2025 1:12 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said that running back Najee Harris (eye) will likely begin training camp this week on the Non-Football Injury list, according to The Athletic's Daniel Popper. Harris suffered a superficial eye injury during a fireworks mishap on the Fourth of July but he will report to the team's facilities on Wednesday. The 27-year-old Harris has been receiving treatment from doctors at Stanford for an injury that isn't believed to be very serious. The Chargers can activate Harris at any time from the NFI list, and he's not expected to miss much time at the beginning of camp. Additionally, he's fully expected to be full-go for Week 1 of the regular season on Sept. 7. Still, this is a bad start for Harris in his first year in L.A., especially after the Chargers took Omarion Hampton in the first round in April.
Jul 16, 2025 5:10 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris (eye) suffered a superficial eye injury during a fireworks accident on the Fourth of July, but he isn't expected to miss significant time and should be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season in early September. However, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Harris is likely to miss limited time to begin training camp this month. It's not the way the 27-year-old would have preferred to enter training camp in his first year in L.A., but it shouldn't affect his regular-season availability as he looks to top the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the fifth straight season to begin his NFL career. Harris should have a key role in the Chargers' run-first offense in 2025, but his fantasy upside will be limited due to the presence of first-round rookie Omarion Hampton. Hampton has more big-play ability than Harris, who should be viewed as an RB3/flex target in fantasy drafts.
Jul 14, 2025 7:53 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris (eye) suffered a superficial eye injury during a Fourth of July fireworks mishap that resulted in injuries to several attendees, according to his agent, Doug Hendrickson. However, Harris is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season. It's unclear if Harris will be forced to miss any practices once training camp gets underway later this month, though. When healthy, the 27-year-old former Pittsburgh Steeler is expected to be a big part of the Chargers' run-first offense in 2025, although rookie first-rounder Omarion Hampton, who was taken 22nd overall in April, will command plenty of touches himself. Harris has had 1,000 yards rushing in all four of his NFL seasons to this point, but he lacks the big-play ability that Hampton should provide. Fantasy managers won't be able to count on volume for Harris, who has become more of an RB3/flex.
Jul 10, 2025 8:07 PM EST
While nothing is set in stone right now, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that the team plans to deploy a booming 1-2 punch with rookie running back Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris in 2025. True to the Harbaugh mentality, the Bolts plan to line up and run the ball with Hampton and Harris, who are both big and powerful backs. Harbaugh raved about Hampton's ability to break tackles -- According to Pro Football Focus, 2,505 of his career rushing yards at North Carolina came after contact. At No. 22 overall in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft last Thursday, Hampton was a "unanimous" decision for the Chargers. Hampton averaged 5.9 yards per carry in each of his last two seasons with the Tar Heels and was a true workhorse. While his fantasy upside will be limited while sharing the backfield with Harris in 2025, Hampton's long-term fantasy upside in Harbaugh's system has to excite those in dynasty formats.
Apr 28, 2025 11:53 PM EST
According to Los Angeles Chargers reporter Daniel Popper of the Athletic, the team is likely to target a running back in April's 2025 NFL Draft. "The Chargers will be adding an explosive player to this group in the draft to complement Harris, Popper wrote." Perhaps as early as the 22nd pick in the first round." Harris signed a one-year, $5.25 million deal to join Justin Herbert's offense during the first week of free agency, but the depth chart behind him consisting of Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins leaves a lot to be desired. The 2025 NFL Draft class is loaded at the running back spot, and North Carolina's Omarion Hampton or Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson could fit what L.A. is looking for. While Harris would have immense upside in the Chargers' offense in a workhorse role, he could be related to early-down work depending on if L.A. pulls the trigger on a ball carrier on Day 1 or Day 2. Harris has missed just one game in his NFL career and has rushed for at least 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons, but his contract value and lack of explosive play-making signals he could be at risk of falling into a committee-back role.
Mar 18, 2025 2:34 PM EST
Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris is expected to sign a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, sources tell NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Harris, who had four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons in Pittsburgh in his first four years in the NFL after being the 24th overall pick in 2021 out of Alabama, will now head to the AFC West. J.K. Dobbins, the Chargers leading rusher last year, is an unrestricted free agent, so there's a very good chance Harris will be the Bolts' unquestioned lead back in 2025, depending on what the team does in the draft. Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal are the only other current RBs on the roster at the position. The 27-year-old lost valuable pass-catching work to Jaylen Warren the last two years, so if the Chargers use him as more of a three-down back, his fantasy stock will rise with the move out West.
Mar 10, 2025 9:33 PM EST
The Los Angeles Chargers are pursuing Pittsburgh Steelers impending free-agent running back Najee Harris and are hoping to close a deal with him, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. A deal hasn't been completed yet, but it could if everything goes well. It would be a big addition to L.A.'s backfield, especially since J.K. Dobbins, the team's leading rusher a year ago, is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal are the only other RBs on the Bolts' roster currently, so if Harris were to sign with the Chargers and Dobbins goes elsewhere, he'd be the unquestioned lead back going into 2025. The former 24th overall pick in 2021 out of Alabama has left fantasy managers wanting more in his four NFL seasons despite rushing for at least 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons. Jaylen Warren has been a thorn in Harris' side the last two years, but a move to L.A. could give Harris more of a bell-cow role.
Mar 10, 2025 9:04 PM EST
Sources told Penn Live's Nick Farabaugh at the NFL Combine last week that the Pittsburgh Steelers are unlikely to re-sign Najee Harris because they will be unwilling to match the $8-10 million per year he's expected to get on the open market. Harris is expected to have a strong market in what is a weak RB class in free agency, and the Las Vegas Raiders could be his biggest suitor. Meanwhile, fellow RB Jaylen Warren is a restricted free agent, but the team has already said they will tender him an offer and there is a desire within the organization to start contract talks with Warren this summer on a long-term extension. Harris, 26, has started all 68 games for the Steelers in his first four seasons in the NFL and has also exceeded 1,000 yards rushing all four years. A move to a team like Vegas with questions at QB could make Harris even less attractive as an RB2 in fantasy, while Warren's stock will improve if Harris leaves.
Mar 4, 2025 5:55 PM EST
ESPN's Brooke Pryor writes that it would be cost prohibitive for the Pittsburgh Steelers to use the franchise tag on impending free-agent running back Najee Harris this year after they declined his fifth-year option a year ago. Additionally, neither quarterbacks Russell Wilson nor Justin Fields is worth the hefty price that would come with a franchise tag for a QB. However, Pittsburgh could consider using the transition tag on Wilson or Fields that would give them the ability to match another team's offer. RB Jaylen Warren will also be a restricted free agent, so the Steelers RB room could look quite different in 2025. Harris has over 1,000 yards rushing in all four of his NFL seasons and has started all 68 games, but he's lacked explosiveness by averaging 3.9 yards per carry on his 1,097 rushing attempts. Still, the Steelers could very well re-sign him, especially if they let Warren walk.
Feb 18, 2025 11:23 AM EST
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac, there's a strong chance that the Pittsburgh Steelers will re-sign impending free-agent running back Najee Harris this offseason. In addition to Harris being a free agent, RB Jaylen Warren will be a restricted free agent. Harris, a former first-round pick, didn't have his fifth-year option picked up, which many believed was a sign the Steelers would move on when he was eligible for free agency after the 2024 season. Dulac doesn't think Pittsburgh will give Harris a hometown discount, but there's something to be said for the fact that he had four 1,000-yard season with 28 total touchdowns in his four years with the team. He dealt with minor injuries but managed to start all 68 games in his four seasons as well. The 26-year-old is expected to make $9.166 million per year on his next deal.
Feb 7, 2025 12:08 PM EST
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