Concern in Los Angeles Chargers: Najee Harris Suffers Injury
INGLEWOOD, Calif. – The Los Angeles Chargers are facing a delicate situation after the 23-20 victory against the Denver Broncos. Preliminary tests indicate that Najee Harris, Chargers’ running back, suffered an Achilles tendon injury, according to coach Jim Harbaugh after the game. Harris collapsed during a play in the second quarter, immediately grabbing his left calf. Initially, the team indicated that his return was doubtful due to an ankle injury, but he was later ruled out. Harbaugh added that further tests will be carried out to determine the severity of the injury. The coach spoke with Harris at halftime, encouraging him to return to the field soon in good shape. Harbaugh described Harris’ attitude as “serene”. Before leaving the field, Harris led the team with 28 yards on six carries. In his place, Omarion Hampton, the first draft pick, had his best game as a professional, accumulating 129 yards and scoring his first touchdown.Hampton expressed through a text message to Harris his wishes for a speedy recovery and acknowledged that his role could change with Harris’s absence.“Man, what a game he had. How about that?”, Harbaugh commented. “He put in the effort today and ran with purpose. A courageous performance on his part. Always moving forward, pushing ahead.”
Jim Harbaugh
Hampton played a maximum of 63 snaps against the Broncos, while Hassan Haskins, his backup, only participated in six. This suggests that Hampton could be the Chargers’ primary running back if Harris misses significant time. The Chargers could also consider promoting Kimani Vidal or Amar Johnson from the practice squad, or signing a free agent to avoid Hampton’s wear and tear. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman has historically distributed carries among his two or three main running backs. During the preseason, when Harris’s participation in Week 1 was uncertain due to a fireworks incident on July 4, Roman indicated that Hampton would share carries with the active running backs. Harris, who signed as a free agent with the Chargers in March, was placed on the non-football injury/illness list before training camp due to the fireworks accident. He missed all of the Chargers’ training camp practices, but was ready for the start of the season. The Chargers had been increasing Harris’ workload each week, and on Sunday he seemed on track to have the most carries and the most productive game of the season. Harris has never missed a game in his NFL career, and his durability was one of the reasons he attracted the Chargers. In his first four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he ran for 1,000 yards in each. His physical playing style is something Harbaugh values, and having him at the start of the season was crucial to the team’s potential in 2025.“I definitely have to step up,” Hampton said.
Omarion Hampton
Additionally, Chargers offensive lineman Mekhi Becton left the game with a concussion and is in the protocol, according to Harbaugh.“It’s always difficult to lose a brother like that,” said quarterback Justin Herbert. “You never want to see that from any of your players or an opponent, and we wish him the best.”
Justin Herbert
