I
n just a few short days, the Los Angeles Chargers will close out the postseason and lock in on preparing for Week One. Going 11-6 last season and returning to the playoffs after a one year absence, the Chargers will look to build off of that and go on a deeper run that they hope results in their first ever Super Bowl title. Adding a lot of new pieces to the mix this offseason, it is clear that the franchise is ready to compete.
But it is very possible that one of their offseason investments may be unavailable for the start of the season. Running back Najee Harris, who suffered an eye injury in a Fourth of July incident, could miss the first part of the season if his recovery does not soon pick up speed.
Harris’ Recovery Process
Harris has made progress on his recovery and has even resumed drills, but according to The Athletic’s Daniel Popper, his recovery has not been at a pace that suggests he will be ready to return for Week One.
“Harris has made progress, but it has not been rapid enough for a Week 1 return,” Popper reported. “Unless Harris takes a significant step towards a return in the first few weeks of the season, putting him on the NFI list might be the Chargers’ best option.”
Harris can come off of the NFI list at any time during training camp but if he is still on it when the preseason ends, he has to miss a minimum of four games to start the season. And since Harris only signed a one-year deal with the Chargers, maximizing every opportunity that he gets is most important this season.
Los Angeles’ Options Without Harris
Assuming that Harris is unavailable, the Chargers will lean on first round draft pick, Omarion Hampton, to get all the first team reps. A star at North Carolina, Hampton has a lot of upside and was already a candidate to win the starting job over Harris at some point in the season. But with Harris’ status uncertain, Hampton has the chance to keep Harris off the field all season long if he begins the season as the starter and plays as well as advertised.
But, Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman hinted that the team will want to create a rotation so that they can rely on more than just one ball carrier this season. If that is the case, then getting Harris back ASAP is key so that they can have a two-headed monster of Hampton and Harris at running back.
“I think there will definitely be a rotation, no matter what happens,” Roman said. “Trying to keep guys fresh throughout the game. I think the day of the one running back taking every rep, that’s kinda gone the way of some prehistoric creatures.”
After Harris and Hampton, the Chargers have second-year veteran Kimani Vidal with potential options in Nyheim Hines, Hassan Haskins and rookie Raheim Sanders.
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