The Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams are set to clash Saturday night at SoFi Stadium in what promises to be another compelling chapter of their crosstown rivalry. While it’s just preseason, the stakes feel real for players fighting for roster spots and coaches fine-tuning their systems before the games actually matter.
Will Najee Harris Suit Up Against the Los Angeles Rams?
Harris won’t be taking the field Saturday night. The running back remains sidelined as he continues recovering from a superficial eye injury he suffered during a July 4th fireworks accident. Although Harris has recently returned to light running and position drills at Chargers practice, head coach Jim Harbaugh has kept his cards close to his chest regarding the veteran’s availability.
Currently on the Non-Football Injury/Illness list, Harris’ designation reflects the fact that his injury occurred outside of team activities. This allows the Chargers to keep him off the active roster until medical staff gives him full clearance to return to game action.
The team’s cautious approach makes sense given that Harris’ long-term health matters more than a few preseason snaps.
Chargers RB Najee Harris (eye) participated in drills at training camp practicehttps://t.co/cpoO50Tq6w pic.twitter.com/ful6tS8izW
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) August 12, 2025
While he’s making steady progress in his recovery, the Chargers will lean on rookie Omarion Hampton and their other running backs to handle the workload against the Rams. Even his status for Week 1 of the regular season remains up in the air.
How Serious Is Harris’ Eye Injury?
The injury itself isn’t considered a major long-term concern. Harris’ agent Doug Hendrickson described it as “superficial” and expressed confidence that his client would be ready for the regular season opener. However, Harbaugh’s typical approach to injury discussions has left plenty of room for speculation.
“There’s a chance he is,” he replied when pressed about Harris’ Week 1 availability. True to form, Harbaugh quickly deflected further medical questions with his standard response.
“I don’t comment because I’m not a doctor,” Harbaugh said. “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.”
Despite the coach’s measured words, Harris has been a visible presence around the team facility, even if his participation remains limited. He’s been spotted wearing sunglasses during practice sessions and has gradually increased his activity level.
By August 2, he had progressed to walking laps during practice, though recent social media photos still show his left eye completely covered as a precautionary measure.
The Chargers’ decision to place Harris on the NFI list reflects their commitment to his complete recovery rather than any urgency to get him back for meaningless exhibition games.
