Chargers' Najee Harris Has 'Chance' to Play W1 After Eye Injury in Fireworks Accident

Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris has a "chance" to play Week 1 after suffering a superficial eye injury at a Fourth of July event last month.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh relayed that news to reporters on Friday.

Harris is in his first year with the Chargers after landing in Los Angeles via free agency following a four-season stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Harris, who has four 1,000-yard rushing seasons to his name, was brought in as part of a re-made running back room that also includes rookie (and No. 22 overall draft pick) Omarion Hampton.

Unfortunately, Harris isn't able to practice now as he works his way back to the field. Officially, he started camp on the active/NFI (non-football injury) list. Hopefully he's ready for the opener in a month.

Ultimately, it's been a brutal offseason injury-wise for the Chargers, who just lost left tackle Rashawn Slater for the season after he suffered a ruptured patellar tendon during Thursday's practice.

Wide receiver Ladd McConkey had also been out for nearly two weeks with an undisclosed injury but returned to practice Friday.

Right guard Mekhi Becton has also been out since late July, although Harbaugh didn't seem overly concerned.

The Chargers are looking to improve upon an 11-6 season and a playoff appearance in Harbaugh's first year at the helm. Their 2025 opener is set for Friday, Sept. 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs in São Paulo, Brazil.