Chargers running back Najee Harris could start the regular season on the non-football injury list as he continues his recovery from a fireworks-related eye injury, per The Athletic’s Daniel Popper.
Harris has returned to the practice field, but not practice itself. He made some progress this week, but at too slow a pace to be ready for Week 1. In addition to his physical rehab, he also has to make the mental adjustment to a new offense, which may be harder if his vision is still impaired in any way.
Unless Harris takes significant steps towards a return in the first few weeks of the season, putting him on the NFI list might be the Chargers’ best option. It would open up another roster spot and give Harris a longer runway to get back to 100% before retaking the field.
If Harris is sidelined to start the year, Chargers first-round pick Omarion Hampton could surge into a true bellcow workload. The next two running backs on the depth chart, Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal, combined for just 244 yards on 77 carries in 2024. Both will make the 53-man roster as backfield depth and contributors on special teams, but neither seems to offer enough offensive upside to take snaps away from Hampton.
The Chargers could opt to carry another running back to replace Harris on the roster. Undrafted rookie Raheim Sanders has impressed in the preseason, per Popper, giving him a leg up on comeback veteran Nyheim Miller-Hines and former Commanders UDFA Jaret Patterson.
I’m just here for the fireworks jokes.
Remember, it’s just a minor injury. From a month and a half ago. No biggie.