Najee Harris‘ recovery has progressed to the point he will be moved off the active/NFI list. Rather than stashing the free agency addition on the reserve/PUP list — which would require a four-game absence — the Chargers are moving him to their 53-man roster, veteran reporter Jordan Schultz tweets.
Sustaining injuries in a fireworks accident July 4, Harris has not practiced fully. This activation does not guarantee Harris will be ready for Week 1, but the Chargers’ decision points to an early-season debut.
While a rumor last week indicated Harris could begin the season on the reserve/NFI list, GM Joe Hortiz did not rule out Week 1. Teams do not have to release injury reports until Week 1, though the Chargers’ season-opening Brazil tilt — against the Chiefs next Friday — will provide earlier clarity on the running back’s status.
Harris has ramped up his side workouts at Bolts practice, though concern has naturally emerged about the state of his injured eye. The four-year Steelers starter was an ironman on his rookie contract, not missing any time while racking up four straight 1,000-yard seasons. The fireworks injury will threaten to end the former first-rounder’s streak. Next week’s practice reports will be telling.
The Bolts added some protection in Omarion Hampton, who is poised to be the team’s Week 1 starter and long-term option behind/alongside Justin Herbert. The Chargers minimized Harris’ place on the team when they used the No. 22 overall pick on Hampton, who can be kept on his rookie contract through 2029 via the fifth-year option. Harris is tied to a one-year, $5.25MM deal. And the July setback clouds his role with his new team and his chances of upping his free agency stock for a 2026 bid.
Poor Chargers
🎶 I can see clearrrrrrly now the rain is gone….
“Bum Eye” Harris