The NFL season is upon us, which means that, unfortunately, injuries are rearing their ugly heads. As fantasy football managers prepare to set Week 1 lineups, it’s important to stay informed on the latest injury news. Justin Jefferson has missed considerable training camp practice time all August. What is his current status and outlook for this week?
Is Najee Harris Playing Week 1?
After a tumultuous offseason, Harris is tracking toward a return as the Chargers prepare for their season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 5. The veteran running back was cleared for full-contact practice on Monday and has expressed confidence about his readiness for the game.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh provided a cautiously optimistic update during Monday’s press conference, confirming that Harris has been cleared for contact and stating there’s a “possibility” he plays against Kansas City. “He’s looked really good in practice,” Harbaugh told reporters. “Cleared for contact. Just take it one day at a time.”
Harris himself was upbeat about his status, but stopped short of declaring himself likely to play. “I’m ramping up to it,” Harris said about his Week 1 status. “This is my fifth day of practice. Just trying to get into that football shape. I’m feeling good, and we’ll just see where it leads.”
Najee Harris said he is expects to play against the Chiefs on Friday in Brazil: “I’m ramping up to it.” Did not want to get into any details on what happened in the fireworks accident. Said his vision has not been affected and called the eye injury “superficial.” pic.twitter.com/T7xoqDVodX
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) September 1, 2025
The injury occurred during a July 4th fireworks accident, which Harris described as a “humbling experience”. His agent initially described it as a “superficial eye injury,” and Harris confirmed Monday that his vision wasn’t affected by the mishap.
The veteran was placed on the non-football injury list ahead of training camp but was activated from the NFI list last Tuesday, signaling the team’s confidence in his recovery. General manager Joe Hortiz had previously expressed optimism, saying Harris was “on track” for Week 1.
Harris has never missed an NFL game in his four-year career, starting all 68 games for Pittsburgh. He doesn’t appear interested in breaking that streak now. “I’m still going through it in a way,” Harris reflected on the incident. “That whole situation can show you how things can change in the snap of a finger.”
At this point, it’s too soon to say for sure whether Harris will take the field. But at worst, he should only miss a game or two before returning to action.
Harris’ Fantasy Football Outlook
Harris suffered an eye injury in a Fourth of July fireworks incident that cost him the majority of training camp. The door was already open for Omarion Hampton to assume the bell-cow role in this offense after the Bolts invested the 22nd overall pick on him this spring, and the injury has only widened that opportunity. It is fully expected that Hampton will take advantage of the situation.
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Consider the splits from the 2023-24 season:
Harris: 1.3 PPR points per target, 80.9% rush gain percentage, 32.2% five-plus yard rush rate
Ezekiel Elliott: 1.4 PPR points per target, 80.6% rush gain percentage, 31% five-plus yard rush rate
At this point, we know what Harris is: an ordinary, standard, and average running back. He could be a thorn in the side of Hampton’s development, but it would be surprising if Harris is viewed as a legitimate flex option as long as the rookie remains healthy. Harris is worth a roster spot to open the season, if for no other reason than the Chargers elected to bring him in during his age-27 season. Still, placing high expectations on him isn’t a wise strategy.
— Kyle Soppe, PFSN Fantasy Analyst
