The Los Angeles Chargers made running the football a priority in the team’s first season under head coach Jim Harbaugh last year, then upgraded their running back room over the offseason.
Expectations feel sky-high for the ground game following the addition of Najee Harris through free agency and Omarion Hampton during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. However, an offseason injury to the former halfback does have some asking questions as the start of the new season looms.
Harris suffered an eye injury on July 4 in a fireworks-related incident, though it apparently isn’t a major issue. Now, Harris lands on the Non-Football Injury list. The veteran is expected to miss at least the start of training camp, which begins July 17 for the Chargers.
So, what’s the impact on the Chargers other running backs with Harris sidelined for at least a little while?
Najee Harris injury impact
While the former Steeler is expected to be ready in time for the regular season, Harris’ injury opens up some opportunities for the rest of the halfbacks. Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal both know Harbaugh’s offense after playing for Los Angeles last season. However, both slot in as the RB3/RB4 on the depth chart for the upcoming year. Still, expecting either one to push Hampton, the No. 22 pick in his draft class doesn’t seem realistic — especially given the premium draft capital invested in a typically-replaceable position.
Harris’ move to NFI likely won’t have significant impacts on Hampton, but it does mean the rookie can potentially take on a starter’s role in training camp and begin to integrate himself with the offense more than previously thought. In a perfect world, the North Carolina product sees additional reps with the first team and gets comfortable operating in the Chargers’ system a little faster than he previously would have.
It’s probably unlikely that Hampton supplants Harris for the RB1 job in Los Angeles when they take their first regular-season snaps, especially since Harris boasts extensive NFL experience with his former team. However, Hampton’s talent remains evident — he rushed for at least 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns in each of his final two collegiate seasons — and the Chargers clearly value him as proven by the high draft capital invested in the young player.
The extra reps in training camp might just be enough to earn Hampton some additional touches when the season opens up, and if he’s comfortable enough, he could push Harris for that starting job sooner rather than later as the season progresses.
