The Los Angeles Chargers placed running back Najee Harris on the non-football injury list before the start of training camp after suffering an eye injury on the 4th of July.
With Harris not at practice, first-round draft pick Omarion Hampton will see the bulk of the first-team reps.
Chargers Wire’s Alex Katson predicts Hampton could be the starting running back in the backfield come week 1 of the 2025-26 season and “not give it back.”
“Najee Harris has never run for fewer than 1,000 yards in his four NFL seasons while playing in every game as a pro. But with Harris now on the Non-Football Injury list after a “superficial” eye injury caused by a fireworks incident over the 4th of July weekend. That leaves Hampton, LA’s first-round pick this April, as the unquestioned RB1 to open camp,” Katson wrote.
“Harris is expected to be back soon, but drafting a running back in the first round in this era is an indication that you plan to play that back early and often. Harris will still have a decently big role, but Hampton is talented enough to run away with the 1A position in the committee while Harris heals up.”
The Bolts signed Harris to a one-year deal that is worth up to $9.25 million.
Najee Harris to Return Quick
GettyNajee Harris will join the Chargers after rushing for over 1,000 yards in the 2024-25 season.
Najee Harris’ agent said that the running back should be “Fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season.”
Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said that everything that has been relayed to the team has been positive.
“Surface-level injury, obviously around the eye, so I’m sure there’s bruising and all that. But we haven’t seen him,” Hortiz said, via the Chargers. “We’ll get more clarity when he gets here and our doctors see him, but we’re in communication with the doctors there.”
According to Hortiz, Harris reported to the team on Wednesday (July 16). If the running back is still on the NFI list by the time of the 53-man roster cuts, Harris would miss the first four games of the season.
Omarion Hampton at Practice
GettyOmarion Hampton at Chargers rookie minicamp.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh said that Omarion Hampton has been “attacking and hitting it hard” during training on the first day of training camp.
“Still got some days before we’re in pads. I think he’s gonna be even better in pads,” Harbaugh said. “He’s looked good without them. He’s well trained and ready to roll.”
Hampton ran for two consecutive 1,500+ yard seasons with the North Carolina Tar Heels football team. The running back ran for 15 rushing touchdowns in both seasons.
The Chargers will get to see their first action when the Bolts take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Hall of Fame game on July 31st.
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