Najee Harris injury update: Adam Schefter reveals latest on Chargers RB recovery

The Los Angeles Chargers made a big move in free agency this offseason, signing Najee Harris. Hoping he would be a massive part of the team’s offense, questions have popped up about his early-season availability. An eye injury suffered around the Fourth of July has kept Harris out of training camp.

Progress may have been made on Tuesday, though. ESPN’s Adam Schefter gave the latest on Harris, saying he participated in drills with a football in his hands. However, all activity was done on the side, not with the team.

“Chargers running back Najee Harris ran and participated in drills with a football for the first time this training camp, doing so off to the side with an athletic trainer during Tuesday’s practice,” Schefter said via X.

Shortly after the accident involving Harris took place, his agent, Doug Hendrickson, released a statement. The injury was described as a “superficial eye injur,y” and maintained the running back would be ready in time for the season.

“Najee Harris was present at a 4th of July event where a fireworks mishap resulted in injuries to several attendees,” Hendrickson said in a statement. “Najee sustained a superficial eye injury during the incident, but is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season.”

Getting some drill work in is a major step forward in making sure Harris is able to take the field in Week 1. The Chargers are set to face off against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 5. A major divisional game, having a veteran running back like Harris would be a massive boost.

Los Angeles plans on using rookie Omarion Hampton a bunch as well. Worst case scenario, they do not have to throw Harris into the fire.

More on Najee Harris entering 2025 season

Harris is entering his first year with the Chargers after beginning his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. A fifth-year option was not picked up by Pittsburgh, allowing him to hit the free agent market. Los Angeles was deemed the best fit for Harris, hoping to find a little more consistency in his game.

In 68 career games, Harris has rushed for 4,312 yards and 28 touchdowns on 1,097 carries. This leads to him averaging 3.9 yards per carry, a number everyone in Los Angeles will be hoping to see increase beginning in 2025. Having a little more depth at the running back position may help Harris.