The Los Angeles Chargers have established their quarterback-head coach duo for the future. Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh are the faces of what should be a golden era for the team. However, they know they can’t have NFL success on their own, which is why they brought new faces. One of them suffered a scary episode on 4th of July, but now a new report has given light on the player’s status.
According to Ian Rapoport from NFL Network, Najee Harris sustained a superficial eye injury during a 4th of July event. However, it seems like he will be fully recovered for the season. During the event, a fireworks mishap ended up injuring several people, including the running back.
Harris is awaiting for his debut season with the Chargers. Jim Harbaugh loves a good running game, and Harris was brought as a new face to help on that aspect. He played his first four seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now he is joining Herbert and company.
Najee Harris is perennially underrated
Not many running backs can just throw around the fact that they have four straight seasons with 1,000 or more rushing yards. Harris is one of them. This not only a sign of quality but to something that most running backs lack on an extended period of time: availability. Harris has started all 68 games possible since arriving to the NFL.
Najee Harris #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second quarter of the game at Acrisure Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
To measure it up, Alvin Kamara, Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Aaron Jones, and many more are not able to brag about four straight 1,000-yard season. However, Harris doesn’t have a top-tier reputation. Yes, his yards per carry is 3.9, but the Steelers offensive line wasn’t precisely great at run blocking. All his yards were earned with blood, sweat and tears.
see also
NFL News: Bo Nix’s new Broncos teammate issues bold warning to Chargers, Chiefs ahead of 2025 season
Harris is not the only running back fighting for the job
As said before, Harbaugh loves an explosive running game. Hence, when their first-round pick was on the clock, they picked Omarion Hampton from North Carolina. Hampton had two straight seasons with 1,500+ yards. In his last two seasons, he scored 15 touchdowns in each by running. Both 2023 and 2024 saw him lead the ACC in rushing attempts and in rushing yards.
Standing at 6 feet, 220 lbs, Hampton is an explosive, very strong back that will perfectly contrast with Najee’s agile yet strong style. If you add that the Chargers have great O-linemen like Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt and they brought Mekhi Becton too, this can be one of the best rushing offenses in the league.
