It’s not often that “walking laps around the field” becomes a headline-worthy update for a Pro Bowl-caliber NFL player. But such is the strange case of Najee Harris and the Los Angeles Chargers, where an unconventional training camp has put an unconventional injury front and center.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh addressed reporters Monday with what amounted to the most visible update yet on Harris, who is recovering from a Fourth of July eye injury labeled “superficial” by his representatives.
“He’s getting better,” Harbaugh said, noting that Harris walking laps around the field in a helmet and weighted vest was part of his rehab process.
That visual—Harris pacing the sideline like a linebacker in walkthroughs rather than a bruising RB1 gearing up for full-speed reps—caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. Dan Wolkenstein of Chargers Unleashed summed up the oddity best on social media:
“Hilarious we’re talking about ‘walking laps around the field’ as part of rehab for a superficial eye injury…”
Najee Harris’ Injury That Lingers
Before Saturday, Harris had only been spotted in street clothes and sunglasses, watching rookie Omarion Hampton and the rest of the running back group from a distance. On Saturday, that changed—sort of. ESPN’s Kris Rhim reported that Harris was in full helmet and training gear, but still limited to walking.
Though it was the first sign of any physical exertion since the injury, Harbaugh remained vague on any return timeline.
This isn’t exactly what the Chargers envisioned when they signed Harris in the offseason. The 1,000-yard rusher was expected to be the centerpiece of a retooled power running game under Harbaugh and OC Greg Roman. Instead, it’s been Hampton—along with depth options Hassan Haskins and an injured Raheim Sanders—carrying the load.
Patience, or Concern?
Harris’ absence might not carry long-term implications yet, but the Chargers are running low on time to establish chemistry before the regular season. Harbaugh has not ruled out Harris missing the remainder of camp, which would hand Hampton a serious leg up in the backfield competition.
The situation leaves the Chargers in a holding pattern—one that increasingly feels like it’s being narrated by caveats and half-steps. Walking in a helmet may signal something, but as Wolkenstein alluded to, it’s far from the kind of “progress” that instills confidence.
Still, there’s optimism from within. “He’s tough,” Harbaugh said. “Tough as nails.” But toughness will eventually need to meet availability.
And for now, the only thing Harris is running is laps.
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