When the Los Angeles Chargers take the field against the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday night at Corinthians Arena in Brazil, they could have a notable reinforcement in the backfield. Running back Najee Harris, who joined the team in March on a one-year deal, has been cleared for contact after an unusual summer setback.
Harris sustained what he described as a “superficial” eye injury during a fireworks mishap at a Fourth of July celebration. The injury landed him on the non-football injury list to open training camp, though the expectation was always that it would not linger into the season.
Najee Harris “Ramping Up” To Playing On Friday For The Chargers
Is Jim Harbaugh The Real Life Ted Lasso?
When asked if he was ready to play in Friday’s Week 1 matchup against the Chiefs, Harris offered only, “I’m ramping up to it,” adding that his vision has not been affected. He also added that he was just trying to get back in football shape. He declined to elaborate further, leaving some mystery around the incident.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed Monday that Harris has been cleared to resume contact work. “Just take it one day at a time,” Harbaugh said, offering cautious optimism that his new running back could be ready for the team’s opener.
The Brazil matchup poses a unique wrinkle. With the game scheduled for a Friday—mirroring last year’s inaugural Brazil game between the Packers and Eagles—the Chargers have a shorter practice week than usual. That compression could impact how much Harris is able to ramp up before kickoff.
Still, early reports have been positive. Harris has been active in practice, showing encouraging progress as he integrates into Los Angeles’ system.
Harris, 27, arrives in L.A. with a proven résumé. A first-round pick out of Alabama in 2021, he rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, including a career-high 1,200 yards as a rookie—a season that earned him a Pro Bowl nod. He became the first player in Steelers history to open a career with consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns.
Despite that production, Pittsburgh declined Harris’s fifth-year option last spring. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported at the time that the team wanted to evaluate his fit in new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s scheme before making a long-term decision. Harris rewarded them with another 1,000-yard season, though it wasn’t enough to extend his stay.
Now, with the Chargers, Harris is trying to carve out a fresh role under Harbaugh. His track record suggests he can be more than just a short-term rental, but his immediate availability remains the key storyline.
Whether he takes the field in Brazil or not, Harris’ cryptic comments combined with Harbaugh’s tempered remarks hint that the Chargers are balancing optimism with caution. What seems increasingly clear, however, is that the fireworks scare will not define Harris’ 2025 season.
Subscribe to LAFB Network’s Los Angeles Chargers YouTube Channel