Najee Harris 'Ramping Up' to Play for Chargers vs. Chiefs Week 1 amid Eye Injury

Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris has been a toss-up to start the season since he suffered an eye injury in a fireworks accident in July, but he gave an update on his status on Monday.

Harris said his vision was not affected by the firework incident, calling the injury "superficial." He also said he's working towards being on the field for the Chargers' season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday.

"I'm ramping up to it," he told reporters. "This is probably my fifth day at practice, just trying to get back in that football shape, but I'm feeling good, though, and we'll just see where it leads."

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said "there's a possibility" Harris plays on Friday.

"He's looked really good in practice. Cleared for contact," Harbaugh told reporters. "Just take it one day at a time."

Harris suffered the eye injury during a 4th of July event and was taken to the hospital for treatment, according to Rick Hurd of the Mercury News. After the incident, Harris' agent also called the injury "superficial" but said he expected to be on the field for Week 1.

"Najee Harris was present at a 4th of July event where a fireworks mishap resulted in injuries to several attendees," agent Doug Hendrickson said in a statement, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. "Najee sustained a superficial eye injury during the incident, but is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season."

Though Harris started training camp on the active/NFI (non-football injury) list, Harbaugh said in early August that "there's a chance" he would be ready for Week 1. While his status for Friday's matchup still seems a bit up in the air, it's a good sign that Harris is "ramping up" to play.

Should Harris miss Friday's game against the Chiefs, it would be a first for him. The former first-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft has been extremely durable throughout his career, never missing a game through his first four years.

Harris, a former Pro Bowler, has recorded 1,000 or more yards in each of his first four seasons, including last year when he rushed for 1,043 yards and six touchdowns.

After starting his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Harris signed with the Chargers on a one-year deal worth up to $9.25 million this offseason. Assuming he's on the field on Friday, he'll likely split reps with rookie running back Omarion Hampton.