The Los Angeles Chargers’ backfield plans for 2025 remain in flux, as star running back Najee Harris is now predicted to miss at least the first four games of the season while continuing his recovery from a fireworks-related eye injury.
According to Daniel Popper of The Athletic, Harris is making progress but not perhaps at the pace needed for a Week 1 return. That leaves the Chargers weighing the option of placing him on the non-football injury (NFI) list to start the year. Doing so would free up a roster spot but automatically sideline Harris for the first month of the season.
“Harris has made progress, but it has not been rapid enough for a Week 1 return,” Popper reported. “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.”
Omarion Hampton Positioned to Lead the Backfield
Vote For Your Favorite Dodgers Duo: Ohtani – Yamamoto, Betts – Freeman, Hernandez – Hernandez
If Harris is unavailable, the spotlight shifts to first-round pick Omarion Hampton, who has handled the bulk of first-team reps in camp. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman stressed that while Hampton will play a major role, the Chargers are unlikely to rely on just one runner.
“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.”
Behind Hampton, Kimani Vidal has carved out a third-down role, while Hassan Haskins has been active on special teams. Both players are expected to make the 53-man roster but, as Popper noted, their offensive ceilings remain limited.
“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 wrote. “Neither seems to offer enough offensive upside to take snaps away from Hampton.”
Chargers Exploring Depth Options
The team isn’t standing pat. The Chargers have already worked out Nyheim Hines and John Kelly, while also monitoring undrafted rookie Raheim Sanders, who has flashed during preseason action but has also missed time with his own injury.
For the Hall of Fame Game, the Chargers’ active running backs include Hampton, Vidal, Haskins, and Jaret Patterson. That group will continue to rotate as coaches evaluate depth options heading into the season.
Timing is Everything
The Chargers open the year with a high-profile matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs in Brazil — now less than a month away. Harris’ agent has remained optimistic about a potential return by then, but Popper’s reporting suggests the organization may prioritize caution over urgency.
With Hampton leading the way and Roman committed to a rotation, Los Angeles appears prepared to weather Harris’ absence if necessary. The question is not just when Harris can return to the field, but whether he can quickly adapt to a new offensive scheme once he does.
For now, the Chargers’ strategy is clear: lean on their rookie investment, rotate backs to stay fresh, and keep roster flexibility in case Harris’ recovery takes longer than hoped.
As Roman summarized: “Trying to keep guys fresh, let different guys get different reps, and see where it shakes out.”
Subscribe to LAFB Network’s Los Angeles Chargers YouTube Channel