Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris is making his return from an eye injury that could have threatened his career, but by missing all of training camp and the person, he likely lost a chance at the starting running back role.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh says that rookie Omarion Hampton will start while Harris will be the backup. Harbaugh is unsure of how much Harris will play after missing most of training camp.
Harris was injured in a Fourth of July fireworks explosion in his hometown of Antioch, California, in the East Bay region of San Francisco.
The injury was described as a superficial injury, but it was still a potentially career-threatening injury that had to be handled with care and caution. Now, Harris is set to play against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Five people were hurt in the blast, according to a report by CBS Bay Area. Harris went to John Muir Hospital and later to Stanford Hospital for treatment.
Harris signed a one-year deal with the Chargers in March after four seasons with the Steelers
The Steelers’ first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Alabama, Harris rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons, one of only 14 running backs to do that in NFL history. On top of that, Harris never missed a game in his career.
The Steelers declined Harris’ fifth-year option that would have paid him just under $7 million last offseason, citing an uncertain schematic fit between Harris and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s scheme.
That came to fruition, as Harris’ efficiency was poor in the heavy outside zone scheme after darting up in a heavy gap scheme in 2023.
