Los Angeles Chargers Jim Harbaugh Reveals Running Back Plans After Najee Harris Injury In Week 3

The Los Angeles Chargers’ running back room was dealt a devastating blow in Week 3 when veteran Najee Harris suffered a season-ending torn Achilles. The non-contact injury was a shocking development for a player known for his remarkable durability, having never missed a game in his career. The loss of their powerful lead back immediately raised questions about how the team would move forward. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has since provided a clear, if surprising, answer, revealing the Chargers’ RB plans after the Najee Harris injury will rely on the talent already in the building.

This article will break down Jim Harbaugh’s “next man up” philosophy, analyze the roles for the remaining running backs on the roster, and explore why the team is choosing to look inward for solutions rather than seeking outside help.

Los Angeles Chargers Jim Harbaugh’s Vote of Confidence

The injury to a player of Harris’s caliber would send many teams scrambling to the free-agent market or exploring trade options. However, Jim Harbaugh has built his career on a foundation of toughness, development, and a strong belief in the players on his roster. His response to the loss of Harris was a perfect reflection of that philosophy.

When asked about the team’s plans, Harbaugh was direct and confident. “I don’t know if we need to be hunting around for any backs right now,” he stated. “To me, they’re in the building.”

This statement is a powerful vote of confidence in the remaining running backs: rookie Omarion Hampton, fourth-year pro Hassan Haskins, and practice squad player Kimani Vidal. Instead of panicking, Harbaugh is signaling that this is an opportunity for his young players to step up and prove their worth. It’s a classic “next man up” mentality, challenging the depth of the roster to rise to the occasion.

Harbaugh expressed his disappointment for Harris, a player who was performing well in his new system. “It’s unfortunate … he was really playing good,” the coach said. “Najee will be back, I have no doubt about it.” But with his focus now on the rest of the season, Harbaugh’s trust is being placed firmly on the shoulders of his unproven but promising backfield.

The New-Look Backfield: Roles and Expectations

With Harris sidelined, the Chargers are left with only two running backs on the active 53-man roster. This means a promotion from the practice squad is imminent, and the roles within the running back committee will be completely reshuffled under offensive coordinator Greg Roman.

Omarion Hampton: The Next Lead Back

All eyes now turn to rookie Omarion Hampton. The fifth-round pick out of North Carolina was already carving out a significant role as a complementary back to Harris, but he will now be thrust into the spotlight as the team’s primary ball carrier. Hampton possesses an exciting blend of size, power, and agility that makes him a good fit for Roman’s physical running scheme.

During his final season at UNC, Hampton was a workhorse, rushing for nearly 1,600 yards and 15 touchdowns. He has demonstrated the ability to handle a heavy workload, which will be essential as he steps into the lead role. Expect Hampton to see the majority of early-down carries and become the focal point of the Chargers’ ground attack.

Hassan Haskins: The Familiar Veteran

Hassan Haskins, now in his fourth NFL season, provides a steady and reliable presence in the backfield. He has experience in a similar offensive system from his time with the Baltimore Ravens under Greg Roman, and he knows what is expected of him. Haskins is a tough, no-nonsense runner who excels between the tackles and is dependable in pass protection.

While he may not have the explosive-play potential of Hampton, Haskins’ experience and reliability will be invaluable. He is likely to serve as the primary backup to Hampton, handling a share of the carries to keep the rookie fresh and stepping in on critical short-yardage or goal-line situations.

Kimani Vidal: The Likely Promotion

With a spot now open on the 53-man roster, the most logical move is the promotion of Kimani Vidal from the practice squad. A sixth-round pick in the 2024 draft, Vidal has experience in Roman’s system from his own rookie season. During the 2024 campaign, he played in 26% of the offensive snaps and received 48 touches, showing his versatility as both a runner and a receiver.

Vidal’s most valuable contribution may come on passing downs. He has shown reliable hands and an understanding of pass protection, making him a strong candidate to fill the third-down-back role. This would allow the Chargers to utilize a three-man rotation, with each back having a distinct skill set and purpose within the offense.

Why Looking Inward Makes Sense

While the decision to not pursue a veteran free agent may seem risky to some, it aligns perfectly with the culture Jim Harbaugh is building.

1. Continuity in the System: Any outside player would need time to learn Greg Roman’s complex offensive scheme. By promoting from within, the Chargers ensure that every running back on the field is already familiar with the terminology, blocking assignments, and overall philosophy of the offense.
2. Investing in Youth: The Chargers spent two draft picks on running backs in the most recent draft (Hampton and rookie Amar Johnson, who is also on the practice squad). This is a clear opportunity to see what those young players are capable of and accelerate their development.
3. Locker Room Chemistry: Promoting a player like Vidal, who has been with the team and earned the respect of his teammates, maintains locker room continuity. It sends a message that hard work in practice will be rewarded.
4. Confidence in the Offensive Line: Harbaugh’s decision is also a vote of confidence in his offensive line. The team has invested heavily in building a physical, dominant front, and the philosophy is that a strong line can elevate the play of any running back.

Conclusion

The loss of Najee Harris is a significant blow to the Los Angeles Chargers, but it is not a season-defining one. Under the leadership of Jim Harbaugh, the team is treating this challenge as an opportunity. The Chargers’ RB plans after the Najee Harris injury are a clear reflection of a coaching staff that trusts its draft process, its player development, and its core principles.

The stage is now set for Omarion Hampton to prove he can be a starting-caliber back in the NFL. It is a chance for Hassan Haskins to provide veteran stability and for Kimani Vidal to seize a larger role. While the path forward is more difficult without their star running back, the Chargers are confident that the answers they need are already in the building, ready for their moment.