Harris shows progress at Chargers practice

Najee Harris returns to drills at Chargers practice after a superficial eye injury, signaling progress ahead of the season.

Najee Harris back running doing drills at Chargers practice

Najee Harris ran and took part in football drills for the first time this training camp, working off to the side with an athletic trainer during practice on Tuesday. He had been walking laps with a helmet and weighted vest around the field since August 2, a sign of progress after the eye injury from a July 4 fireworks mishap.

Harris remains listed on the non football injury list. His agent Doug Hendrickson said the injury is superficial and Harris is expected to be ready for the season. The Chargers have not disclosed the injury details, a common preseason practice when NFL teams are not required to release injury information. The team has said Harris will progress as the camp continues, and the coaching staff remains cautious about Week 1 readiness. If Harris is not ready, the rookie Omarion Hampton will rotate with another back, and several players remain in the mix for the third string.

The return to drills signals progress but also a reminder that the Chargers face a careful road back for Harris. The absence of a firm Week 1 timeline creates uncertainty about the opener against the Chiefs in Brazil. The stance reflects a broader NFL habit to protect players during camp while teams plan for the season.

Behind Hampton, the backfield depth remains unsettled. The staff has signaled that evaluation will continue and personnel could shift as the schedule tightens. This kind of depth competition matters for both on field production and fantasy value as the season approaches.

Highlights

The road ahead will test how quickly caution becomes confidence