Report: Los Angeles Chargers RB Najee Harris injured in fireworks explosion

Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris was injured in a Fourth of July fireworks explosion, Bay Area News Group reported. Harris’ agent later said the expectation is he will be ready for the 2025 season.

The incident occurred in the early morning hours July 5 in Antioch, California. Police said some injuries were treated at the scene while others were hospitalized. Bay Area News Group reported Harris went to John Muir Hospital in Concord for treatment before later going to Stanford Hospital.

Harris’ agent Doug Hendrickson confirmed the former Alabama star was present at the time of the explosion. He suffered a “superficial eye injury” and the expectation is he will be ready for the 2025 season.

“Najee Harris was present at a 4th of July event where a fireworks mishap resulted in injuries to several attendees,” Hendrickson said in a statement. “Najee sustained a superficial eye injury during the incident, but is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season.”

Antioch Police said the incident is still under investigation. The department had no further comment, but addressed the situation in a post on Facebook, though it didn’t confirm Harris was among the injured.

Six men and a 13-year-old boy were injured in the explosion, which occurred at an apartment complex, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The man who lit the firework was in critical condition as of Sunday afternoon after losing several fingers, as well as suffering injuries to his face and chest.

Najee Harris signed a one-year deal with the Chargers in free agency this offseason worth $9.25 million. He started his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers after they selected him with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Harris topped 1,000 yards each season in Pittsburgh, including a career-best 1,200 yards as a rookie in 2021 to earn his lone Pro Bowl appearance. All told, he ran for 4,312 yards and 28 touchdowns with the Steelers while adding 1,149 receiving yards and six touchdowns in the air. The Steelers didn’t pick up his fifth-year option, which set him up for free agency this offseason as he joined Greg Roman’s offense with the Chargers.

The expectation is Harris will take on a key role in the Los Angeles backfield this year as the franchise looks to replace J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards. The Chargers also added to their back room in the draft, selecting former North Carolina standout Omarion Hampton in the first round.