Najee Harris, running back for the LA Chargers, has spent the entire training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list following an eye injury sustained on the Fourth of July. While Harris’s agent described the injury as superficial and not expected to affect his readiness for the 2025 season, doubts have grown as the season opener approaches. This Najee Harris injury recovery update comes as fans and analysts closely monitor his progress ahead of the Chargers’ first game in Brazil against the Kansas City Chiefs.

After weeks off the field, Harris has recently shown the first sign of physical activity beyond merely walking. On Tuesday, he was seen jogging lightly at the team’s practice facility, marking the earliest visible step in his recovery since the injury. This development provides cautious optimism despite ongoing concerns about whether he will be available at the season’s start.

Transitioning From Walking to Running Brings Hope

Harris’s move from walking to jogging, though modest, signals incremental healing and can be seen as a positive development in his recovery timeline. Throughout training camp, fans have observed little visible progress, which has heightened uncertainty about his immediate return. However, the ability to jog indicates that Harris’s rehabilitation is advancing to more demanding physical activity.

Despite this progression, the window for a full recovery before Week 1 is narrowing rapidly. Many believe Harris’s chances of starting the season on the active roster are diminishing, with a possibility that he could begin on injured reserve (IR). The Chargers appear to have accounted for this scenario, as evidenced by their signing of running back Nyheim Miller-Hines prior to the preseason, reinforcing their depth at the position.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh remains cautious when discussing Harris’s availability, offering no firm assurances about his status for the opener. Given these factors, Chargers supporters and analysts are increasingly expecting Omarion Hampton to take lead responsibilities in the backfield early in the season.

Implications for the Chargers’ Early Season Plans

The gradual progress in Najee Harris’s recovery provides a faint but meaningful sign of hope. If Harris continues to improve and recovers in time for the team’s initial games, it would be a fortunate surprise for the Chargers and their fans. For now, though, the focus remains on managing expectations and preparing the team without guaranteed contribution from their veteran running back.

With the season opener set in Brazil and looming closer, the significance of Harris’s recovery timeline is critical. His return could impact the Chargers’ offensive strategies and overall performance within the competitive AFC West division. Until further updates emerge, the Chargers appear prepared to depend on their depth and emerging talents at the position.

“Najee Harris doing some light jogging out here today. First time we’ve seen him running in any capacity during practice open to the media. He’s wearing a weighted vest, T shirt, shorts, helmet and cleats” —Kris Rhim, Reporter