Chargers Receive Grim Update On First-Round Pick

Report: Najee Harris Could Begin Season On the Non-Football Injury List

Harris entered the league as a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Alabama product never lived up to his first-round potential but proved to be an adequate starter. Recording 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first four years in the league, Harris made a name for himself as a physical, downhill runner whose style of play would have complemented head coach Jim Harbaugh’s offensive philosophy.

If this injury sidelines Najee Harris for four weeks, then first-round pick Omarion Hampton should receive a massive workload. Selected out of UNC, the rookie is essentially a more explosive Harris, as he possesses the same physical downhill style but offers more acceleration and burst. He’s also a solid receiving back, although nobody would confuse him with prime Alvin Kamara.

As of this posting, Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal will fight for the RB2 job with Harris sidelined. Both players have primarily made their living on special teams up to this point in time, so they probably won’t challenge Hampton for touches. Unless the Chargers trade for Brian Robinson or add another established name, the rookie should be a prominent member of this offense from Day 1.