The Los Angeles Chargers thought they had finally solved their running back problem. After signing former Pittsburgh Steelers workhorse Najee Harris and drafting first-rounder Omarion Hampton, the team was poised to have a strong one-two punch. But Harris’ bizarre off-field accident changed everything, leaving the team asking one critical question: When will their new star be ready to contribute?
What Is the Latest on Najee Harris’s Injury and Return Timeline?
Harris arrived in Los Angeles with a reputation for durability and production, having topped 1,000 rushing yards in his four NFL seasons. His physical style and pass-catching ability were expected to perfectly complement head coach Jim Harbaugh’s power-run philosophy and give the Chargers a reliable option in the backfield.
However, that plan hit a major snag before it could even begin. Harris suffered a superficial eye injury in a July 4, 2025, fireworks accident. The incident landed Harris on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) List ahead of training camp, and he just recently returned to practice.
While it initially seemed like Harris may miss a chunk of the regular season, he has since progressed nicely, and now there’s a chance he’ll be able to play in Week 1. He was cleared for contact last Friday, and Harbaugh told reporters on Monday that “there’s a possibility” Harris plays in the season opener.
Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh says “there’s a possibility” RB Najee Harris plays Week 1.
“He’s looked really good in practice. Cleared for contact. Just take it one day at a time.” pic.twitter.com/E2YnfvvroG
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) September 1, 2025
Harris recently spoke to the media and provided an update on his status for the season opener against the Chiefs. “I’m ramping up to it,” the Chargers RB said. “It’s just like my fifth day in practice, you know, just trying to get back in that football shape. But, you know, I’m feeling good though, 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
Running backs can often step in without much warm-up compared to other positions, so he could see a meaningful role in Week 1 if he’s active. Even if Harris sits out the season opener, it appears he’d still be ready for Week 2 should the Chargers take a cautious approach and rest him against the Chiefs.
If Harris is sidelined, Hampton—the first-round pick out of North Carolina—is expected to take over lead duties.
Harris’ Fantasy Outlook
Harris was slated to form a committee in a terrific running scheme with Hampton. However, after a freak accident on the 4th of July, Harris’ ADP has crashed closer to 200.
Given the latest updates on Harris, it makes sense to buy the discount, especially in Best Ball, where his floor as a red-zone threat is a nice late-round piece to a RB room.
This is a terrific setup for Harris because it’s a run-heavy offense. Even with OT Rashawn Slater out for the season, this is still a good offensive line with an effective running scheme with Greg Roman as offensive coordinator.
Expect Harris to form a committee with Hampton, but he should still be able to produce for fantasy managers in this role.
