The Los Angeles Chargers are already facing injury challenges as training camp approaches. Among those sidelined is running back Najee Harris, who suffered a “superb eye injury” in a fireworks accident. The Chargers have placed five players on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, including wide receiver Mike Williams.
Mike Williams, who the Chargers re-signed this offseason to strengthen their offense which ranked 11th in the NFL in scoring last year, had a mixed recent history. After spending his first seven seasons with the Chargers, Williams played for the Jets and Steelers last season but struggled, catching just 21 passes in 18 games. Injuries have plagued Williams during his tenure with the Chargers since being drafted seventh overall in 2017, although he had 1,000-yard seasons in both 2019 and 2021. However, over the last three seasons, he has accumulated only 547 receiving yards.
While Harris is currently injured, notably he is not on the PUP list. Signed to a one-year deal this offseason, Harris is expected to be a key part of the Chargers’ backfield, paired with rookie first-round pick O’Malley Hampton. Harris stands out as the only running back in the NFL to rush for over 1,000 yards in each of the past four seasons. According to his agent, Harris is expected to be ready for the upcoming season despite the injury from the July 4 fireworks incident.
Other players on the PUP list include wide receiver Jalen Johnson, defensive back Elijah Malden, linebacker Delshawn Phillips, and Savion Washington, though the Chargers have not disclosed the specific nature of their injuries. Players on the PUP list can return at any point during training camp, so while having five players listed is not ideal, it’s not an overly alarming situation for Chargers fans at this stage.
Fan Take: This injury news is significant because it tests the depth of the Chargers’ roster just as the season looms, highlighting the importance of player health in maintaining team competitiveness. For NFL fans, it’s a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change and how critical it is for teams to prepare their backups to step up when key players are sidelined.
