Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris is likely to open training camp on the non-football injury/illness (NFI) list after suffering an eye injury in a July 4 fireworks accident, according to general manager Joe Hortiz.
While a final decision has not yet been made, Hortiz stressed that any stint on the list would likely be brief. If Harris does remain on the NFI list after final roster cuts, league rules require that he miss at least the first four games of the regular season.
Harris’ Injury Deemed Superficial, Team Awaits Evaluation Before Training Camp Participation Decision
The incident that injured Harris also affected multiple people, including a friend who lost fingers. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Harris’ agent, Doug Hendrickson, described the running back’s injury as “superficial” and expects him to be ready for the upcoming NFL season.
Harris has been seeing specialists at Stanford in the Bay Area for two weeks, and although team doctors have not yet examined him in person, regular updates from his medical team have been encouraging.
Najee Harris (NFL)Harris was scheduled to arrive at training camp Wednesday evening, with the first team practice slated for Thursday. Hortiz emphasized that while the injury appears to be surface-level bruising around the eye, the team will make a more informed decision once its own medical staff evaluates him.
Harris is being grouped with wide receiver Mike Williams and safety Elijah Molden, both of whom are on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list but are also expected to return early in camp.
Rookie Contracts, Extension Talks, and Optimism for Resolutions Before Regular Season Begins
In addition to injury concerns, the Chargers are dealing with unresolved rookie contract negotiations. Wide receiver Tre Harris, a second-round pick, has not reported to camp as he remains unsigned.
The holdup comes after the Texans and Browns offered fully guaranteed deals to second-round picks, prompting other agents to push for similar terms. Hortiz expressed hope that Tre Harris’ deal would be finalized soon, underlining the importance of practice for rookies.
Meanwhile, contract extension talks with Pro Bowl left tackle Rashawn Slater are ongoing. Slater is in the final year of his rookie contract and has been noncommittal about playing without an extension. Hortiz didn’t offer a timeline but called discussions with Slater’s agent “positive.”
Despite early hurdles with injuries and contracts, the Chargers remain optimistic that key players will be back on the field soon and that outstanding deals will be resolved before the regular season.
