Najee Harris (Chargers) Fit to Play vs. Chiefs, Johnston Also Ready

Najee Harris Could Play in Chargers’ Inaugural Game

Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris, who missed all of training camp due to an eye injury suffered in a fireworks accident, said on Monday that he expects to play in the Chargers’ season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs in Brazil.

I think it’s probably my fifth day of practice, trying to get back in shape for American football. But I feel good, and we’ll see where it takes us.

Najee Harris

Najee Harris is expected to play in the Chargers’ season opener against the Chiefs in Brazil. pic.twitter.com/J1x3Jc8m8r

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) November 2, 2023

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh reported on Monday that Harris was cleared to participate in full contact practice for the first time since signing with the team in March. However, Harbaugh did not commit on Harris’ status for Friday’s game: “There’s a possibility,” he said. “He’s looked really good in practice.” Harbaugh also communicated that wide receiver Quentin Johnston has cleared concussion protocol. Johnston suffered a concussion in the Chargers’ second preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, which left him motionless on the field for several minutes. Johnston did not miss much practice time and appears to be in condition to play on Friday. Harris has worn sunglasses or a helmet with a dark visor when practicing in front of the public this summer. When asked if he is intentionally hiding the injury by wearing sunglasses, Harris said he didn’t care what people might think he is doing. Harris declined to specify how this injury occurred, but said his vision was not affected, calling the damage “superficial”.

That whole situation, it just shows you how things could change in the blink of an eye. … I’m happy that everyone is safe and we’re alive.

Najee Harris

Before Monday, Harris had worn a yellow jersey in practice, indicating that a player is still recovering from an injury. Harris looked fast in individual drills, but did not receive passes from quarterback Justin Herbert in the period open to the media. Runners Hassan Haskins and Omarion Hampton caught passes from Herbert while Harris worked with quarterbacks Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei. Harris has never missed a game in his NFL career. If he were to miss time, the Chargers would likely rely heavily on Hampton.