The Los Angeles Chargers are facing uncertainty at running back as star rusher Najee Harris continues his recovery from a fireworks-related eye injury. According to Daniel Popper of The Athletic, Harris could begin the 2025 season on the non-football injury (NFI) list.
Harris has returned to the practice field, but he is not yet participating in team drills. Popper reports that while the running back has made progress, it has not been rapid enough for a Week 1 return. In addition to rehabbing physically, Harris must adjust mentally to a new offensive scheme — a challenge compounded if his vision remains impaired.
“Unless Harris takes significant steps towards a return in the first few weeks of the season, putting him on the NFI list might be the Chargers’ best option,” Popper wrote. This move would free up a roster spot while giving Harris additional time to regain full health before resuming game action. But it would also mean that Harris would be forced to miss at least the first four games of the upcoming season.
Chargers Rookie Omarion Hampton Could See a Heavy Workload
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If Harris does start the season sidelined, first-round pick Omarion Hampton is poised to see a significant increase in responsibility. Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman emphasized that even in Harris’ absence, the team plans to rotate backs.
“I think there will definitely be a rotation, no matter what happens,” Roman said. “Trying to keep guys fresh throughout the game. I think the day of the one running back taking every rep, that’s kinda gone the way of some prehistoric creatures. So, I think we’ll dose things out accordingly at the appropriate time. Different guys will get different reps.”
While Hampton has logged the majority of first-team reps during training camp, Kimani Vidal has been mixed in primarily on third downs, and both he and Hassan Haskins have contributed heavily on special teams. The competition for touches behind Hampton remains “wide open,” Roman noted, echoing the approach the Chargers used last season with their own backfield rotation.
Depth Options and Preseason Workouts
To mitigate the uncertainty, the Chargers have explored additional running back options. Popper noted workouts with former NFL players Nyheim Hines and John Kelly, as well as monitoring undrafted rookie Raheim Sanders, who has impressed during preseason action. With Harris and Sanders out of practice, the Chargers’ active backfield for the Hall of Fame Game currently includes Hampton, Vidal, Haskins, and Jaret Patterson.
“The next two running backs on the depth chart, Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal, combined for just 244 yards on 77 carries in 2024,” Popper explained. “Both will make the 53-man roster as backfield depth and contributors on special teams, but neither seems to offer enough offensive upside to take snaps away from Hampton.”
Timing Will Dictate Strategy
The Chargers have just over three weeks until their season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs in Brazil, leaving little margin for error in managing Harris’ recovery. While his agent has expressed optimism for a Week 1 return, Popper’s reporting suggests the team may prioritize patience to ensure the running back is fully healthy.
For now, the Chargers appear prepared to lean on Hampton while employing a rotation strategy to keep the backfield fresh. If Harris needs additional time, the team has options — from backup rotation to potential roster additions — to maintain depth and competitive balance.
As Roman put it, the plan is simple: “Trying to keep guys fresh, let different guys get different reps, and see where it shakes out.” With a first-round investment in Hampton and a roster built to compete in 2025, the Chargers are confident that the running back situation, though unsettled, can be managed effectively.
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