Chargers Share Murky Injury Update On Key Offensive Weapon

Head coach Jim Harbaugh addressed Harris’ condition during a recent media availability, providing a cautiously optimistic but noncommittal update. “Najee is doing good,” Harbaugh said. “Progressing, it’s better today than yesterday. Hopefully better tomorrow than today.” Despite the positive tone, Harbaugh declined to provide a definitive timeline for Harris’s return to on-field activities.

“He’s doing everything that he can within the facility outside of practicing,” Harbaugh added, referencing Harris’s full participation in team meetings and rehab efforts. “Praying for healing,” he said, underscoring the uncertainty that still surrounds the veteran back’s recovery.

Contrast With Earlier Optimism

The Chargers’ cautious approach contrasts with a statement from Harris’ agent, Doug Hendrickson, who described the injury as “superficial” and expressed confidence that Harris would be ready by Week 1 of the regular season. While that remains a hopeful scenario, the absence of any clear timetable from the Chargers’ coaching staff has tempered expectations.

Impact on Chargers’ Backfield Depth

Harris was slated to be a key component in the Chargers’ rushing attack alongside rookie first-round pick Omarion Hampton. However, Harris has yet to take any practice snaps, delaying his integration into the offense. Compounding the team’s running back depth issues, undrafted free agent Raheim “Rocket” Sanders has missed the last four practices due to a separate injury, with Harbaugh estimating Sanders would be sidelined for at least another week.

To mitigate these concerns, the Chargers recently signed veteran Nyheim Hines, who practiced Tuesday with the team in San Diego. He joins a rotation that includes Omarion Hampton, Kimani Vidal, Hassan Haskins, and Jaret Patterson, as the team searches for stability amid the uncertainty.

Harris’ Track Record and What’s at Stake

Najee Harris arrived in Los Angeles this offseason on a one-year, $5.25 million fully guaranteed contract, with incentives that could push the total value to $9.25 million. The former first-round pick from the 2021 draft had established himself as one of the league’s most consistent backs during his four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Harris boasts 4,312 rushing yards and 28 rushing touchdowns on 1,097 carries, along with 1,149 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns on 180 receptions. His durability has been remarkable, having played in all 68 regular-season games through 2024, in addition to three playoff appearances.

This off-field injury, however, threatens to disrupt both his preparation and his impact on the Chargers’ offense, which ranked 17th in rushing yards last season and has lost key contributors J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards.

Looking Ahead: An Uncertain Timeline

As training camp progresses, the Chargers remain in a holding pattern regarding Harris. Harbaugh reiterated that while Harris is healing and contributing off the field, the timeline for his return remains unclear. “I don’t know,” Harbaugh said when asked if Harris would return during camp. “Certainly not an expert as you know.”

The Chargers medical staff has not yet formally evaluated Harris, who has been receiving care from doctors at Stanford. For now, the team’s cautious optimism must contend with the reality that Harris’s absence could extend well into the preseason and possibly beyond.

If Harris’s recovery timeline continues to stretch, the Chargers may need to lean more heavily on their current running back rotation and the newly added Hines while hoping that their veteran playmaker can ultimately regain full health and form. The coming weeks will be critical not only for Harris’s health but also for the Chargers’ ground game aspirations in 2025.