Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris is expected to begin training camp on the non-football injury (NFI) list due to an eye injury sustained in a fireworks accident, according to General Manager Joe Holtis, who spoke with reporters on July 4. Harris, who joined the Chargers as a free agent after four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and a Pro Bowl appearance, is set to report to the team’s headquarters following medical treatment at Stanford.
Though Harris will initially be on the NFI list, his absence from team activities is expected to be brief. NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport noted that this stint on the NFI list should not last long, and Harris’s agents have affirmed that he is anticipated to be ready for the upcoming season.
The 27-year-old suffered a superficial eye injury in the accident on Independence Day in Antioch, California. His agent, Doug Hendrickson, confirmed on July 10 that despite the incident, Harris is on track to be fully prepared for the NFL season.
After recording over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first four seasons, Harris signed a one-year, $9.5 million deal with the Chargers during free agency. He has been one of the most productive running backs since 2000, achieving four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons and amassing 4,312 yards since 2021, ranking fifth in the league during that span.
Fan Take: Najee Harris’s quick recovery and return to the field is crucial for the Chargers, as his consistent rushing ability is a key component of their offense. For NFL fans, this incident highlights the unpredictable challenges players face off the field and underscores the resilience required to compete at the highest level.
