Los Angeles Chargers fans got a glimmer of hope this week as running back Najee Harris returned to running drills for the first time since a freak Fourth of July accident left his status for the 2025 NFL season opener in question. After more than a month of uncertainty and speculation surrounding Harris’ eye injury, the star running back was spotted Tuesday at the Chargers’ training facility in El Segundo, working off to the side with a football and an athletic trainer, as reported by ESPN’s Kris Rhim.
Harris’ return to the field, even in a limited capacity, marks a pivotal development for a Chargers squad that has faced a string of setbacks during the preseason. The 27-year-old, who joined Los Angeles this offseason on a one-year, $9.5 million deal, had been sidelined since suffering what was described as a "superficial eye injury" during a fireworks mishap in Antioch, Northern California, on July 4. The incident reportedly injured several attendees and necessitated Harris’ hospitalization, though, fortunately, he avoided any severe or lasting damage to his eye.
In the aftermath of the accident, Harris’ agent, Doug Hendrickson, issued a statement to reassure fans and media alike: "Najee Harris was present at a 4th of July event where a fireworks mishap resulted in injuries to several attendees. Najee sustained a superficial eye injury during the incident, but is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season." Despite the optimism from his camp, the Chargers have provided little in the way of concrete updates, opting to keep their cards close to the vest as Harris slowly worked his way back to football activities.
For much of training camp, Harris’ activity was limited to walking laps around the Chargers’ practice field, helmet on and weighted vest in tow. By August 2, he had progressed to walking through sessions, but it wasn’t until this week that fans and coaches alike saw him handle a football again. The anticipation was palpable, especially after Harris posted a selfie last week in full helmet and visor. Though his injured eye appeared fully closed in the photo, head coach Jim Harbaugh later clarified to reporters that Harris can, in fact, open his eye—though the comment did little to quell concerns about his readiness for Week 1.
Harbaugh was candid about the uncertainty, telling reporters there remains a chance Harris might not be available when the Chargers open their season on September 5. "There will be rotation no matter what happens ... The day of the one running back taking every rep, it's kinda gone the way of the prehistoric creatures," said offensive coordinator Greg Roman, signaling that the team is preparing for a running back committee approach regardless of Harris’ status.
The Chargers’ running back room, already reshaped by offseason departures, now features first-round rookie Omarion Hampton and a trio of backups: Kimani Vidal, Hassan Haskins, and Nyheim Miller-Hines. Harris, who spent four seasons as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ primary back and averaged 3.9 yards per carry, was brought in to anchor the ground game after Los Angeles moved on from J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards. The expectation was that Harris would provide stability and veteran experience, but his injury has forced the coaching staff to reconsider their depth chart and workload distribution.
"We’re going to need everybody in that room to step up," Roman added. The sentiment rings especially true as the Chargers face a wave of injuries across their offense. Just days before Harris’ return to drills, the team suffered another blow: franchise left tackle Rashawn Slater was lost for the season to a lower leg injury. The loss of Slater, a linchpin of the offensive line, only amplifies the pressure on the remaining starters and puts a premium on depth and adaptability up front.
Further complicating matters, projected starting right guard Mekhi Becton, who signed a two-year, $20 million contract in March, is also dealing with an undisclosed issue. While Roman expressed confidence that Becton will "be fine," he stopped short of guaranteeing his availability for the opener, saying he was "not putting anything in concrete." The uncertainty at both tackle and guard positions means the Chargers’ offensive line could look very different when they take the field in September—a reality that could have ripple effects on the running game and the offense as a whole.
Meanwhile, the fallout from the Antioch fireworks incident continues to cast a shadow over Harris’ preseason. The city’s police department posted a message on July 5 expressing sympathy for those affected and asking for patience and privacy as their investigation proceeds. "This is an unfortunate accident, and our thoughts are with the family and all those affected during this difficult time," the statement read. Harris, for his part, has kept a low profile, focusing on his recovery and return to football, while his teammates and coaches have rallied around him in support.
The Chargers’ approach to Harris’ recovery has been cautious but measured. Without the obligation to provide detailed injury reports during training camp, the team has opted for discretion, fueling speculation but also allowing Harris the space to heal at his own pace. Harbaugh’s comments about the possibility of Harris missing Week 1 reflect both the uncertainty of his condition and the team’s willingness to adapt if necessary. With the regular season fast approaching, the Chargers are bracing for a campaign that could hinge on the health and readiness of key contributors like Harris, Becton, and the rest of the offensive line.
As of now, Harris’ participation in drills is a welcome sight, but questions remain about his vision, conditioning, and ability to absorb contact at full speed. The Chargers’ first preseason game looms, and all eyes will be on how much work Harris is able to handle in the coming weeks. For a player who arrived in Los Angeles with something to prove after a rocky tenure in Pittsburgh, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
For Chargers fans, the hope is that Harris’ perseverance and the team’s depth at running back will be enough to weather the early storm of injuries and uncertainty. With the season opener on the horizon and a host of new faces vying for snaps, the Bolts’ backfield is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched storylines in the NFL. Whether Harris will be ready to lead the charge remains to be seen, but for now, his return to the field is a step in the right direction.
The coming weeks will be crucial as the Chargers finalize their roster and game plan for Week 1. Harris’ progress will be monitored closely, and the team’s ability to adapt to adversity could define their season. One thing’s for sure: there’s no shortage of intrigue in Los Angeles as the countdown to kickoff continues.
