The 4th of July is a time for family, celebration, and fireworks — but as Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris recently found out, it can also be a time for unexpected accidents.
With fireworks, there is a threat of an accident and injury. The NFL experienced an accident on the 4th of July involving a player, Jason Pierre-Paul, in 2015.
Now, following an unfortunate event that left Harris lucky to be not more seriously injured, he joins Pierre-Paul on the list of players injured by accidents on the 4th of July. Despite his injury, Harris still has his eyes set on returning for the beginning of the season.
Can Najee Harris Make it Back for Week 1?
Harris is dealing with an eye injury from the fireworks accident. Several of the members with Harris at the event were involved in the accident, but Harris escaped with only an eye injury. NFL insider Patrick Daugherty revealed that Harris’ injury is minor and isn’t affecting his on-field play.
“The injury was ‘superficial,’ and that neither Harris’ vision nor football health is in long-term doubt,” said Daugherty on Harris’ health.
Since Harris is not dealing with an injury impeding his on-field abilities, he should be ready to suit up for the Chargers against the Kansas City Chiefs. Harris is joining the Chargers after four seasons in Pittsburgh and will want to prove himself with his new squad. The Chargers’ backfield saw a significant revamp from last season, with Harris and first-round rookie Omarion Hampton joining Los Angeles.
The Chargers are going on their third different starting running back in as many seasons. Looking to find the answer for their rushing attack, the Chargers landed on Harris and Hampton to spearhead that backfield alongside star QB Justin Herbert. A dynamic rushing attack would create a multidimensional offense that would be a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Although Harris doesn’t have the explosiveness of Hampton, he has been a durable and consistent option throughout his career. Harris rushed for 1,000+ yards in his four NFL seasons and has 34 touchdowns to his name. His experience will help in the Chargers’ backfield, where Hampton will be learning how to adjust to a new level of play.
The Chargers face a tough challenge in the AFC West, where their Week 1 opponent, the Chiefs, have dominated for nine straight seasons. Los Angeles hasn’t won the division since 2009 but hopes to end that long drought this year.
The Chargers have begun training camp with their rookies reporting on July 12. The NFL season is inching closer, and teams will start preseason in the coming weeks.
Harris might not appear much in the preseason for precautionary reasons, but he should find himself in the backfield on Week 1, ready to prove what he offers with his new team to the NFL.
