Chargers News
[the_ad id=”105842″]The Los Angeles Chargers expect running back Najee Harris to play in their season opener Friday against the Kansas City Chiefs in São Paulo, coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed Wednesday.
Harris, who missed the entire training camp after sustaining a superficial eye injury in a July 4 fireworks incident, worked as a full participant during practice this week. Harbaugh said, “He says he’s ready, and he looks ready to go. Really hard to predict play counts. He’s going to play football and have at it. That is the mindset.”
Harris began full participation in team activities after being activated from the Non-Football Injury list. He took part fully on both Tuesday and Wednesday, signaling the team believes he can contribute, even if his workload remains limited.
The running back was wearing a helmet with a tinted visor during Wednesday’s workout, a familiar look since the injury. He has described the injury as “superficial” and said his vision was unaffected. “I’m ramping up to it, just trying to get back in that football shape,” he said earlier in the week. “But I am feeling good, though. We’ll just see where it leads.”
Chargers officials triggered the transition from the NFI list to the active roster late last month. That move cleared the way for Harris to make his debut and resume contributing to a backfield that includes rookie Omarion Hampton.
Harris joins a Chargers offense that endured the loss of All-Pro left tackle Rashawn Slater for the season. Analysts have expressed concern about how that absence, combined with uncertainty surrounding Harris’s availability, could impact the team’s ground game. The team enters the international opener under a spotlight. The logistical challenges are real. Players arrived in Brazil just hours before practice. Despite those obstacles, both players and coaches have exuded confidence about handling the unique environment.
Harris provides the potential for a physical presence in the backfield after rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his first four NFL seasons. His return brings experience and stability to a Chargers offense that will look to establish itself early.
Harbaugh’s cautious optimism is clear: Harris is expected to play Friday. How much he contributes will depend on how his body holds up as the game unfolds.
Fantasy Impact
ESPN has suggested Harris could start, though that appears doubtful. Fantasy managers invested in Omarion Hampton may feel some early panic, but this situation is common around the NFL. Veterans are often listed first on the depth chart to open the year, yet that does not guarantee Harris will keep the role long term. Hampton will take over soon, trust the process.
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