Following an impressive season from Jim Harbaugh in his first year as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, the franchise’s 2025 offseason moves suggested a continuation of a run-heavy approach. The Chargers signed Najee Harris on a one-year deal and drafted Omarion Hampton to bolster the backfield.
However, the Chargers’ offensive plans hit a snag when Harris suffered a freak incident during Fourth of July celebrations. He is still recovering from the issue and will remain sidelined from the Chargers’ preseason game against the New Orleans Saints.
Najee Harris Is Nursing an Eye Injury
Harris has been dealing with a superficial eye injury suffered during a Fourth of July fireworks accident, which landed him on the active/non-football injury (NFI) list to open camp. The injury isn’t considered serious long-term, but it has delayed his preseason debut and raised questions about his readiness for the upcoming season.
While Harris’ agent Doug Hendrickson termed the injury “superficial” and said he expected him to be ready for the regular season, Harbaugh is noncommittal about his status for Week 1.
“There’s a chance he is,” he replied when asked about Harris’ chances of being ready for Week 1.
The head coach didn’t comment on what kind of injury the running back was dealing with, but revealed that he was able to open his eye now.
“I don’t comment because I’m not a doctor,” said Harbaugh, who repeats this line when asked about any injury. “I’m not Mr. Harris’ agent, either. I’m talking about what I know, and ‘Can he open his eye?’ ‘Yeah.’ I’ve looked into his eye. I can tell you stuff like that.”
Harris has been present at camp in a limited capacity, spotted wearing sunglasses and staying off the practice field during drills. He started walking laps at the practice on August 2, but a recent social media picture from him showed his left eye completely covered.
🚨 NAJEE HARRIS STILL CAN’T OPEN HIS EYE 👁️
This bizarre eye injury saga grows as the Chargers RB posted a selfie of himself on Snapchat “walking laps” at practice today
As zooming into the picture clearly shows, that L eye is squarely shut
Until proven otherwise, I’m… https://t.co/OPNAeITix7 pic.twitter.com/qXmNhPb0dB
— Sebastian Fearon DPT, CSCS, OCS (@TheDegenDoc) August 7, 2025
With Harris unavailable, the Chargers turned to their depth chart for the Hall of Fame game against the Detroit Lions. Hampton, who has drawn attention as a training camp standout, recorded two carries in his preseason debut, while sophomore Kimani Vidal led the team with nine carries, 37 yards, and two touchdowns.
The Chargers have been clear that Harris’ absence is purely precautionary. The team’s decision to place him on the NFI list reflects a commitment to ensuring his complete recovery ahead of the regular season rather than rushing him back for exhibition games that don’t count.
