In a cruel stroke of irony, Najee Harris, rookie running back for the Los Angeles Chargers, experienced a season-ending Achilles tear. This was on a play action play in the second quarter of the Chargers’ 23-20 win over the Denver Broncos. This injury is a huge blow to the Chargers’ roster, especially considering Harris’ crucial role in the Chargers’ mutual play-heavy offense game-planning.
Harris had come into the season with plenty of hype after signing a big money free agent contract with Los Angeles this past March. He was renowned for his amazing toughness and never sat out a game in his professional football career. During his first four years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he enjoyed four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons. He had already been on the non-football injury/illness list prior to training camp. This was due to loss of vision from an eye injury caused by a July 4 fireworks explosion.
Throughout the game against the Broncos, Harris was forced to leave after putting up a team-high six attempts for 28 yards on the ground. It was a non-contact injury suffered as he was being carted off the field. This version raised significant concerns from the start as to how extreme it will be. Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh later confirmed that Harris indeed suffered an Achilles tear. Now it means he’s done for the season after suffering this injury.
“It’s unfortunate … he was really playing good,” Harbaugh expressed during a post-game interview. The coach had previously highlighted Harris’s physical running style as a desirable characteristic for the team’s offensive approach.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert shared his sentiments regarding the injury, stating, “It’s always too tough to lose a brother like that.” He further added, “I think you never want to see that from any of your own players or an opponent, and we’re wishing for the best.”
His loss brings into question what the Chargers can do this season. His presence will be key to the team’s ambitious goals for 2025. His injury may change the dynamics of their exciting offense moving forward. Harbaugh remains optimistic about Harris’s future, declaring, “Najee will be back, I have no doubt about it.”
That’s an unfortunate blow for the Chargers, who had been counting on Harris this season. They can no longer stick to their old playbook and remain relevant. The organization hopes to see him return to form in the coming seasons, continuing his legacy as a key player on their roster.
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