Introduction
Najee Harris, a powerful and durable NFL running back, now dons the Chargers uniform after four consistent seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. This article dives into the key areas gripping fans and analysts alike: his eye injury, contract details, career stats, and how the recent injury could impact his 2025 outlook.
1. Recent Eye Injury: What Happened?
Fireworks Mishap
In the early hours of July 5, 2025, Najee Harris was in Antioch, California, celebrating the Fourth of July when a fireworks explosion occurred. Several attendees were injured in the incident. Although Harris was not among those seriously hurt, he did sustain a superficial eye injury. Initial treatment was provided at a hospital in Concord before he was transferred to Stanford hospital for further evaluation.
Expected Recovery
Despite the mishap, his agent, Doug Hendrickson, confirmed that Harris is expected to be ready for the start of the 2025 NFL season.
Training Camp Status
Harris remains on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list, which has kept him out of full-team drills throughout training camp.ESPN.comPFSN However, he has recently begun ramping up activity—working out on the side, jogging with weighted vests, pushing sleds, and performing agility drills. Head coach Jim Harbaugh remains optimistic, stating:
“When Najee’s ready to play, Najee is going to be ready to play… I talk to Najee every day. He says ‘Better.’”
Together, these updates create cautious optimism that Harris will be available by Week 1, though it remains contingent on his recovery trajectory.
2. Contract Overview: Chargers Deal in Focus
One-Year Agreement
In March 2025, Najee Harris signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers worth $5.25 million fully guaranteed, with up to $4 million available in performance-based incentives—bringing the maximum potential to $9.25 million.
A popular summary on Reddit aptly captures this tiered structure:
“The #Chargers deal with RB Najee Harris is 1-year for $5.25M with another $4M available in incentives.”
Financial Breakdown
According to OverTheCap, Harris’s 2025 salary cap charge is $5.25 million with all money fully guaranteed.citeturn0search0 His total career earnings now stand around $16.8 million, with projected earnings of up to $18.3 million if all incentives are earned.
3. Career Statistics: Steelers Through 2024
Regular Season Performance
During his four seasons (2021–2024) with the Steelers, Harris has been a model of consistency:
-
Has played all 17 games each season
-
Rushed for 1,200 (2021), 1,034 (2022), 1,035 (2023), and 1,043 (2024) yards
-
Totaling 4,312 rushing yards, with 28 rushing touchdowns
-
Also contributed a growing receiving presence—e.g., 283 receiving yards in 2024
Here’s a concise recap from his Wikipedia career table:
| Year | Team | Games | Rushing Yards | Avg YPC | Rushing TDs | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | PIT | 17 | 1,200 | 3.9 | 7 | 74 | 467 | 3 |
| 2022 | PIT | 17 | 1,034 | 3.8 | 7 | 41 | 229 | 3 |
| 2023 | PIT | 17 | 1,035 | 4.1 | 8 | 29 | 170 | 0 |
| 2024 | PIT | 17 | 1,043 | 4.0 | 6 | 36 | 283 | 0 |
| Total | 68 | 4,312 | 3.9 | 28 | 180 | 1,149 | 6 |
Highlights & Milestones
-
Pro Bowl & All-Rookie honors in his first season (2021)
-
Consistently surpassed 1,000 rushing yards each year of his career
-
Known for his durability, Harris hasn’t missed a single game since entering the league
4. Injury Impact: Looking Ahead to 2025
Availability & Depth Chart
With Harris sidelined by the eye injury during training camp, the Chargers must prepare contingency plans. Rookie Omarion Hampton—a first-round pick—stands in line to assume lead-back responsibilities if Harris remains unavailable. Other running backs like Hassan Haskins, Kimani Vidal, and Raheim Sanders compete for depth roles.
Fantasy Football Implications
Fantasy analysts have mixed projections: On one hand, Harris has been an ever-present contributor; on the other, past seasons placed him lower in receiving opportunities under Jim Harbaugh’s schemes. Even if activated in Week 1, his flex appeal may be moderated by usage patterns and the presence of Hampton.
Final Word
-
Eye Injury: A superficial but serious concern stemming from a fireworks incident on July 5, 2025. Harris is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for Week 1, but remains on the NFI list.
-
Contract: One-year, $5.25M guaranteed, up to $9.25M with incentives.
-
Stats: Four seasons, each over 1,000 rushing yards, total 4,312 yards, 28 TDs, plus receiving contributions.
-
Outlook: Injury timeline makes early availability a key storyline. Chargers depth chart features rising rookies and veteran backups vying for playing time. Harris’s return will be pivotal for both his team and fantasy dynamics.
