Chargers running back Najee Harris is making progress in his recovery from an eye injury. Recently, Harris participated in drills with a football, guided by an athletic trainer. This marks a notable step forward since he has been limited to walking laps while wearing a weighted vest since August 2.
Harris suffered the injury during a July 4 fireworks incident and was placed on the non-football injury list before training camp began. His agent, Doug Hendrickson, described the injury as superficial and remains optimistic about his readiness for the upcoming season.
Coach Jim Harbaugh has not confirmed Harris’ availability for Week 1, despite positive signs. Harris shared a photo on social media recently showing his left eye shut, but Harbaugh clarified that he can now open it.
It’s important to note that the Chargers have added rookie Omarion Hampton to their roster. This means Harris will need to compete for playing time with him and other running backs like Kimani Vidal, Raheim Sanders, Hassan Haskins, and Nyheim Miller-Hines.
Offensive coordinator Greg Roman stated that there’s no rush to finalize decisions about the lineup right now. The team is focused on continuous evaluation and improvement.
As the season approaches, fans are eagerly watching Harris’ recovery. Injuries like his often spark conversations about player safety, particularly in the wake of several similar incidents across the league. For instance, a recent survey by ProFootballFocus found that 35% of players believe injury management has improved in the NFL, yet concerns remain regarding safety protocols.
Additionally, a growing trend on social media highlights fan reactions to injury updates. Many are optimistic about Harris’ return, sharing messages of support and hope for a successful season.
For more details about Harris’ journey and injury management in sports, consider checking out the NFL Player Safety Reports.
