3 running backs with Chargers ties that can replace Najee Harris

Najee Harris didn't miss a single game during his four-year tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Then he signed with the LA Chargers and tore his Achilles in his third game to miss the rest of the 2025 season.

Harris was finally gaining some momentum in Los Angeles in the third game of the year before the injury. The veteran running back was meant to play a key role in the offense as a running mate alongside Omarion Hampton. Now, Hampton is left as the lone RB1 without a true 1-B.

Ideally, the Chargers will give 2024 draft pick Kimani Vidal a chance to blossom into a secondary ball-carrier for the Chargers. But if that doesn't work out, the Bolts may have to turn to a depleted running back market and hope they get lucky with an external addition.

And if the Chargers are going to do that, they probably will pursue someone who they are familiar with.

3 running backs with Chargers ties that can help replace Najee Harris:

Donovan Edwards

Rewind to the 2024 NFL Draft. There was real debate among Chargers fans about whether or not the team should take Michigan running back Blake Corum in the third round. The Chargers ultimately passed in favor of Michigan linebacker Junior Colson, with Corum instead landing on the LA Rams.

Those against Corum pointed out that he wasn't even the best of the Michigan running backs. That honor instead went to Donovan Edwards, who played one more season with the Wolverines and absolutely tanked his draft stock without Jim Harbaugh.

Edwards went from being the cover athlete of EA Sports College Football 25 to going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft. He now sits on the Washington Commanders' practice squad, where he is more than available to be poached.

While Edwards didn't show the consistency without Corum to get drafted in 2025, if there is any coach who knows how to get the most out of him in a running back committee, it's Jim Harbaugh.

Zack Moss

Zack Moss has played under multiple members of the Chargers coaching staff,, giving him immensely strong ties that would normally make a move like this a no-brainer. However, whether or not Moss is even an option all has to do with his help.

Moss suffered a broken neck last season and was still recovering from the injury at the start of training camp. The Cincinnati Bengals released Moss in late July and while that seems like a bad sign for his recovery, Moss has made it very clear he wants to play in the NFL again.

The former Buffalo Bills running back played under passing game coordinator Marcus Brady when he was the offensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts. Prior to that, and prior to his stint with the Bills, Moss played under running backs coach Kiel McDonald at Utah.

Moss could be an option if the team gives Vidal a run for several weeks before turning to a veteran option. If Moss is healthy by then, he very well may get a workout and a chance to sign.

Gus Edwards

This is probably the least exciting option as Gus Edwards was mediocre last season and the Chargers had no intentions of bringing him back in free agency. Things have since changed, though, and if the Bolts want a veteran with experience in this offense, Edwards is the way to go.

Edwards definitely wouldn't serve as a 1-B to Hampton's 1-A but he could give the team a short-yardage option to dispel Hampton in certain spots. While he should not be a focal point of the offense, Edwards still has value in a limited role.

The former Ravens back remains unsigned after the Chargers released him from his two-year deal in March.