LOS ANGELES -- In a concerning turn of events, Chargers running back Najee Harris sustained an eye injury following a fireworks mishap during a July Fourth celebration. According to Harris's agent, Doug Hendrickson, who spoke with ESPN's Adam Schefter on Thursday, the injury is deemed superficial. Fortunately, Harris is anticipated to be fully prepared for the upcoming NFL season.
The unfortunate incident not only impacted Harris but also resulted in injuries to several other attendees. Reports from the San Francisco Chronicle indicate that one individual was hospitalized after suffering severe injuries, including the loss of fingers, during the accident in Antioch, California.
In March, Najee Harris signed a one-year deal with the Chargers, aiming to play a crucial role in revitalizing the team's struggling rushing offense. If Harris were to be sidelined due to this injury, the Chargers would likely have to rely heavily on first-round rookie Omarion Hampton to carry the workload.
It has been an astonishing eight years since the Chargers last boasted a 1,000-yard rusher. The last player to achieve this milestone was Melvin Gordon, who rushed for 1,105 yards in 2017. Since then, the team has faced continuous challenges in establishing a reliable rushing attack. Despite the optimism surrounding last season, when coach Jim Harbaugh and his staff highlighted their plans for a dominant running game in Los Angeles, the Chargers finished below the league average with just 110.7 rushing yards per game.
In contrast, Najee Harris has demonstrated exceptional performance, rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His powerful running style is precisely what Coach Harbaugh seeks, and it could prove to be a pivotal factor in transforming the Chargers' rushing offense for the upcoming season.
As of now, the Chargers have opted not to comment further on the situation. Fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on Harris's recovery and the team's preparations as they aim to turn around their rushing fortunes.