Najee Harris news could change Chargers' backfield plans

The Los Angeles Chargers planned to use a one-two punch at running back this season, but that may have to wait. 

L.A. signed RB Najee Harris to a one-year deal in free agency to pair him with rookie RB Omarion Hampton (pick No. 22). Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said Wednesday the one-time Pro Bowler will likely begin training camp on the non-football injury/illness list after suffering an eye injury in a fireworks accident on July 4.

"Nothing is set in stone," the GM said, per ESPN's Kris Rhim. 

If Harris is placed on the NFI, he can return to practice when the Chargers clear him. They must remove him from the list before roster cutdown, or he will miss at least four regular-season games.

Hortiz said Harris will meet with team doctors Wednesday evening to determine the severity of his injury. The Chargers start training camp Thursday.

"Surface-level injury," Hortiz said. "Obviously around the eye, so I'm sure there's bruising and all that. We haven't seen him, so we'll get more clarity when he gets in here and our doctors see him." 

Harris missing a significant portion of training camp and the regular season would put more pressure on Hampton. 

Hampton rushed for 1,660 yards in 12 games with the North Carolina Tar Heels last season. But can he withstand the punishment of a 17-game regular season? 

"Hampton is a tone-setting future starter who can handle a heavy workload, but he absorbs rare levels of heavy contact that could create durability or longevity issues if he doesn't learn to pick and choose his battles," wrote NFL.com's Lance Zierlein in his scouting report. 

The Chargers lost J.K. Dobbins to the Denver Broncos in free agency. He led the team in rushing yards (905 in 13 regular-season games) last season.

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has emphasized a strong ground attack since arriving in L.A. in 2024. With Harris's status uncertain, he should prioritize the passing attack instead.