Chargers Najee Harris Injury Sidelines Early Season Participation

Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris continues to recover from a significant eye injury sustained during a Fourth of July fireworks accident, with his Week 1 availability for the 2025 NFL season still uncertain. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has remained noncommittal about Harris's status, emphasizing a day-by-day approach and noting that Harris is gradually increasing his activity with light work and side drills but has yet to practice fully with the team. Harris remains on the non-football injury (NFI) list, which would render him ineligible for the first four games if he is not activated by the roster cut deadline. Meanwhile, rookie Omarion Hampton has been gaining playing time in Harris's absence, and the Chargers are using their preseason finale against the San Francisco 49ers to evaluate backup players such as quarterback Trey Lance. Despite the injury concerns, the Chargers are preparing for their regular season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, with Harris's return still hopeful but not imminent. Harbaugh's cautious updates reflect optimism for Harris's eventual contribution but acknowledge the uncertainty surrounding his near-term playing status.