Chargers News
[the_ad id=”105842″]Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris has been cleared for contact and could be available when the team opens the 2025 regular season against the Kansas City Chiefs in Brazil on Friday. Head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed Harris’ return to practice after missing the preseason with an eye injury sustained in a fireworks accident over the summer.
Harris, 27, joined the Chargers in the offseason after four years with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was expected to provide veteran experience to a revamped backfield. While his return to practice is a positive sign, the Chargers may take a cautious approach in Week 1, given that he has not played in live action since the end of last season.
In Harris’s absence, rookie Omarion Hampton has taken on the lead role in the Chargers’ rushing attack. The former North Carolina standout impressed throughout camp and the preseason, quickly establishing himself as one of the offense’s most reliable young weapons. Even if Harris is active against Kansas City, Hampton is likely to retain the majority of carries, with Harris serving in a complementary role until he is back to full speed.
The Chargers’ running game will be an important factor in their season opener. Facing Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in a high-profile international setting puts pressure on Los Angeles to control tempo and maintain balance. A healthy Harris gives them additional depth, but the game plan is still expected to lean on Hampton as the feature back.
For fantasy football managers, Harris’ clearance adds intrigue but not immediate value. He should remain rostered across formats, as his workload could grow in the coming weeks. However, Week 1 presents risk, given his limited preparation and Hampton’s firm hold on the starting job. Managers should keep Harris on the bench until his role becomes clearer.
All eyes will be on how Harris is deployed in his Chargers debut and how quickly he can regain the form that made him a Pro Bowl back during his rookie season in Pittsburgh. Some fans are banking on Harris as a late-round steal that could win the starting job if the rookie struggles, whereas others think Harris and his injury history are nothing to worry about, and that Omarion Hampton should have full control of the starting role.
The matchup with Kansas City will be one of the most-watched games of the opening weekend. Harris’ availability gives Los Angeles another option, but expectations should be tempered as he works his way back into game shape.
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