NFL Community’s Ian Rapoport had the most conservative report, stating that Harris was present process imaging however that there wasn’t “a whole lot of optimism.” Daniel Popper of The Athletic took Harbaugh’s comments a bit additional, asserting that Harbaugh informed them how “preliminary assessments indicated a torn a torn Achilles.” Regardless, each variations level in the identical route, in direction of a probable prolonged absence for the veteran rusher.
Rookie RB to proceed in main position for Los Angeles Chargers with Najee Harris sidelined
Harris has been extraordinarily constant all through his NFL profession. A primary-round pick of Alabama in 2021, Harris began each attainable recreation for the Steelers over the course of his rookie contract. After a Professional Bowl rookie marketing campaign by which he rushed for 1,200 yards and 7 touchdowns (with 467 extra yards and three extra scores receiving), Harris’ subsequent three season dashing totals of 1,034 yards, 1,035 yards and 1,043 yards completely exhibit that consistency. His landing totals in these three years of seven, eight and 6 proceed that development.
Harris was going to be hard-pressed to search out that very same consistency in Los Angeles. Signing with the Chargers on a one-year, $5.25M contract, Harris appeared the obvious new beginning rusher for his new workforce. Los Angeles drafting Omarion Hampton within the first spherical of the draft and a fireworks incident each threw a wrench in these plans.
The incident at a 4th of July occasion noticed Harris maintain a superficial eye damage that will force him to open camp on the lively/non-football damage listing. Although he was activated in time for Week 1 of the season, Hampton was the one getting all of the touches and expertise with the first-team offense all through coaching camp. It might have been that method no matter Harris’ availability, however the damage assured that Harris could be making up floor upon his return.
That gave the impression to be the case within the Chargers’ first two video games. By two weeks, Hampton has out-carried Harris 23-9, and Hampton’s 88 snap share on offense (88) greater than doubled that of Harris (32) over that point. Hampton will proceed in that position as Harris is prone to miss prolonged time. No different backs have taken carries but this season, however fourth-year working again Hassan Haskins stands to step into the RB2 position.
The workforce additionally holds Kimani Vidal and South Dakota State rookie Amar Johnson on the apply squad. Vidal, a sixth-round choose for the Chargers final 12 months, spent his rookie season on the workforce’s lively roster and might be a candidate to maneuver as much as the lively roster in Harris’ absence.
