Introduction
Will Najee Harris suit up tonight for the Los Angeles Chargers’ season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs in São Paulo, Brazil? Fans and fantasy managers alike are seeking clarity on his status. Having suffered an eye injury during a Fourth of July fireworks incident, Harris missed much of training camp. Yet, as Game Day approaches, all signs point to him playing. This article explores his injury status, coach comments, projected role, fantasy impact, and answers the top questions on his availability tonight.
1. Injury Background
Najee Harris sustained a superficial eye injury during a fireworks accident in early July, which forced him to miss training camp and the preseason. His recovery was closely watched as his Week 1 eligibility remained uncertain.
2. Injury Report and Practice Status
Harris participated in full practices throughout the week and was removed from the injury report, indicating clear status for tonight’s game. Football insiders have confirmed he has no injury designation ahead of Friday’s opener.
3. Coach & Team Comments
While head coach Jim Harbaugh refrained from revealing specifics about Harris’s snap count, he did confirm the veteran is set to play tonight. Harbaugh praised Harris’s readiness: “He says he’s ready, and he looks ready to go… Play football and have at it—that is the mindset”. General manager Joe Hortiz also indicated Harris was “on track” for Week 1.
4. Who Starts—and What’s His Role?
Coach announcements have indicated that rookie Omarion Hampton—the first-round draft pick—will start tonight. Nevertheless, Harris is expected to see playing time as part of a running-back rotation. Analysts suggest the Chargers may employ a two-back system, giving Harris a decent share of carries.
5. Fantasy Football Implications
Fantasy football analysts view Harris as a solid Flex option for Week 1. Despite Hampton’s starting role, the Chargers’ run-heavy offensive scheme under coordinator Greg Roman could mean substantial touches for Harris. Some models even peg his playing probability at ~99% .
6. Summary: Is He Playing Tonight?
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Yes, Najee Harris is set to play tonight in the Chargers’ opener. He’s off the injury report and fully cleared.
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Omarion Hampton will start, but Harris is in the rotation—likely to get meaningful touches.
FAQs
Q1. Is Najee Harris playing tonight?
A: Yes. He’s off injury report and confirmed to play in the Week 1 game in Brazil.
Q2. Why was he in doubt?
A: He suffered a superficial eye injury during Fourth of July fireworks, causing him to miss training camp and preseason.
Q3. Who is the starting RB—Harris or Hampton?
A: Omarion Hampton is starting. Harris will play a complementary role.
Q4. How many snaps will Harris get?
A: The exact number is uncertain. Coach Harbaugh avoided specifics, saying play counts are hard to predict. Expect a rotational role.
Q5. Should he be started in fantasy leagues?
A: Yes—Harris is recommended as a Flex due to expected touches in a two-back system.
Q6. What if he’s limited due to injury?
A: Unlikely—he’s been fully cleared and practiced all week. Najee Harris playing tonight.
Conclusion
Najee Harris is back—and he will play tonight in the Los Angeles Chargers’ season opener against the Chiefs. Although he’s not starting, his clear practice status and inclusion in the game plan make him a valuable asset—especially in fantasy football. Keep an eye on his snap count and workload, but the veteran RB is firmly back in action.
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