Najee Harris, formerly with the Pittsburgh Steelers, will not participate in the upcoming Hall of Fame Game against the Detroit Lions on Thursday as part of the Los Angeles Chargers’ preseason schedule. Harris, who signed a one-year contract with Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers after failing to secure an extension with the Steelers, is sidelined by an eye injury sustained during a Fourth of July fireworks accident and currently has no set timeline for his return.

Current Status and Practice Reports on Harris’s Recovery

Despite his absence from the Hall of Fame Game, there are signs of progress for Harris. He has been observed on the Chargers’ practice field wearing shorts and a t-shirt, suggesting mobility, though he has yet to participate in training camp drills. With rookie running back Omarion Hampton taking first-team repetitions, Harris remains in a competitive situation for the Chargers’ starting running back role, a battle that will intensify as the preseason progresses.

Reviewing Najee Harris’s 2024 Season Performance and Future Prospects

During the 2024 NFL season, Harris appeared in all 17 regular-season games for the Steelers, accumulating 1,043 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns on 263 carries. He supplemented his rushing stats with 36 catches for 283 yards. His efforts helped Pittsburgh reach the playoffs, though the team struggled against divisional rival Baltimore Ravens, where Harris recorded just five rushing yards on six attempts.

Now with the Chargers, Harris faces a tough competition for the lead running back job, with rookie Omarion Hampton—selected 22nd overall in the 2025 draft—being the leading candidate. This preseason represents a critical opportunity for Harris to maintain his streak of consecutive games played since entering the NFL, with three remaining preseason matchups after the Hall of Fame Game to demonstrate full fitness and readiness.

Implications for the Chargers and Harris’s Role Moving Forward

Najee Harris’s injury and recovery timeline will significantly impact the Los Angeles Chargers’ backfield dynamics throughout the preseason and potentially the regular season. His ability to rejoin team activities and compete effectively against Hampton could determine his role in the 2025 campaign. The Chargers’ coaching staff and fans alike will be closely monitoring his progress as the preseason advances, seeking clarity on how this competitive position unfolds ahead of the regular season kickoff.