Rumors began circulating on Sunday regarding Najee Harris, the running back for the Los Angeles Chargers, and his well-being. Today, these rumors have been confirmed, revealing that Harris was injured in a fireworks accident over the July 4th weekend. According to his agent, Doug Hendrickson, Harris was present at a celebratory event that turned dangerous when a fireworks mishap injured several attendees.
Hendrickson shared that, “Najee Harris sustained a superficial eye injury during the incident, but he is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season.” Despite the serious nature of the event, Harris's injury appears to be less severe than initially feared. The Los Angeles Chargers have not yet responded to requests for comments regarding Harris's condition.
The rumors regarding Harris's injury persisted throughout the week until a report from Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News shed light on the situation. The report indicated that Harris was injured on July 5 in Antioch, California. While Inman's report brought some clarity, it did not specify the extent or severity of Harris's injury.
According to Inman, Harris received treatment at John Muir Hospital in Concord and later at Stanford Hospital. It’s worth noting that multiple other individuals were also injured during this fireworks incident. Early speculation suggested that Harris had lost an eye, but the official statement from his camp clarifies that it is merely a “superficial eye injury.”
The next significant development regarding Harris's health will occur when he reports for training camp next week. All players, including Harris, will undergo a comprehensive physical examination in advance of the July 31 Hall of Fame game. This physical will provide more insight into his recovery and readiness for the upcoming NFL season.
Harris, a first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021, signed a one-year deal with the Chargers in March. Over his four seasons in the NFL, he has consistently rushed for more than 1,000 yards, showcasing his talent and value on the field. Fans and teammates alike will be closely monitoring his progress as the new season approaches.
