Najee Harris suffered an injury in a fireworks explosion during Independence Day celebrations in California, his home state, shortly after signing a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers in March. The Pro Bowl running back experienced a superficial eye injury but is expected to participate fully in the upcoming 2025 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL season.
The Mercury News first reported the incident on Thursday, noting that Harris was among those hurt in the unfortunate accident. Authorities released a statement offering condolences to the families affected and asked for privacy as the investigation proceeded:
“This is an unfortunate accident, and our thoughts are with the family and all those affected during this difficult time. We ask for patience and privacy for the families as the investigation continues.”
Harris’s agent, Doug Hendrickson, later clarified that the injury would not sideline Harris, emphasizing its minor nature:
Transition to the Chargers: Harris’s New Chapter Under Coach Harbaugh
The 2025 season marks Harris’s first time playing for a team other than the Pittsburgh Steelers. Shortly after joining the Chargers, Harris highlighted the influence of head coach Jim Harbaugh in his decision to sign:
“He’s always energetic. He’s always the life of the party, so he’s just a good guy to be around, down to earth, and he makes you feel comfortable.”
With a fresh start in Los Angeles, Harris faces the challenge of adapting to a new environment while overcoming the recent injury setback. His familiarity with California and enthusiasm about working with Harbaugh contribute to a promising outlook.
Rookie Contenders Present Strong Competition for Starting Role
Harris will not enter the Chargers’ backfield unchallenged, as several rookies are expected to compete for the primary running back position.
First-round pick Omarion Hampton is considered a major contender for the lead role. Former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew ranked Hampton as the 13th best running back in the league, describing him as a potential “bell cow” for the Chargers. Jones-Drew also recognized Harris’s value in a backup capacity, praising his patience and toughness:
“He (Hampton) should be the bell cow for this unit,” says Jones-Drew. “With veteran Najee Harris in the backup role — thanks to his patience and ability to bounce off defenders. Hampton is in the perfect situation to find early success.”
Sports Illustrated’s Matthew Schmidt highlighted an under-the-radar candidate in Raheim Sanders, an undrafted free agent out of South Carolina, with a background at Arkansas. Sanders’s combination of size and speed makes him a potential future star for the Chargers:
“There does exist a world in which Sanders could ultimately become the Chargers’ top running back moving forward. His six-foot, 230-pound frame is certainly impressive. Couple that with his sneaky speed, and he may develop into a dynamic weapon on the professional level.”
Preparations Begin for Chargers’ Preseason Kickoff
The Chargers will start their preseason schedule by facing the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame Game on July 31, with kickoff set for 8 PM ET on NBC. This game will provide a first look at the team’s depth chart, including how Harris and the rookie running backs perform in live action.
As Najee Harris recovers from his injury and prepares for his debut season with Los Angeles, the competitive backfield and supportive coaching could define the trajectory of his 2025 campaign. His resilience combined with the Chargers’ roster depth will be key factors for fans and analysts to watch.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Najee Harris?
A. LOS ANGELES — Najee Harris, a running back for the Chargers, hurt his eye during a July Fourth fireworks accident, according to his agent, Doug Hendrickson. Hendrickson informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Thursday that the injury was minor and Harris should be prepared for the next NFL season.
Q. How did Najee Harris get injured?
A. Harris got hurt during a play where no one touched him in the first quarter of the AFC North game. He managed to walk off the field by himself but needed medical help from the sidelines. Here is information about Harris’ injury and his status for the rest of the game on Sunday.