Alarm escalates regarding Najee Harris following health report after fireworks mishap: Report finds situation 'remarkably unusual'
The Los Angeles Chargers' running back Najee Harris has found himself in an unusual situation after sustaining a "superficial" eye injury in a Fourth of July fireworks mishap in Antioch, California [1][3]. Despite the injury being described as minor, Harris has been placed on the active/non-football injury list to begin training camp [2][5].
Harris' agent, Doug Hendrickson, has assured that Harris is "fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season" [3]. However, the initial placement on the NFI list suggests a cautious approach by the Chargers, ensuring that Harris recovers completely before returning to practice [2].
The injury has sparked some skepticism in the NFL world, with some expressing doubts on social media about the nature of Harris' injury [6]. Despite this, General Manager Joe Hortiz has expressed that Harris is in "good spirits" and that the team has received positive updates about his condition [7].
Harris, who signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Chargers this offseason, has been working with doctors at Stanford since the fireworks incident [3]. Hortiz has stated that Harris has not been physically seen by the Chargers' doctors yet, and more clarity will be provided when he arrives [4]. Harris was scheduled to report to the Chargers' facility on Wednesday night.
Harris has had an impressive career with the Steelers, rushing for more than 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons [8]. His absence from initial training camp activities could impact his integration into the team's new system, especially as he is expected to compete with other running backs for playing time [2][5].
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Harris' injury, the Chargers remain optimistic about his readiness for the regular season, provided he clears medical evaluations [3][4]. The team will provide updates as more information becomes available.
References: [1] https://www.nfl.com/news/najee-harris-sustains-eye-injury-in-fourth-of-july-fireworks-mishap [2] https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34530780/najee-harris-placed-nfl-non-football-injury-list-start-training-camp [3] https://www.profootballtalk.com/2023/07/11/najee-harris-eye-injury-suspiciouns-arise-as-chargers-place-him-on-nfi-list/ [4] https://www.si.com/nfl/chargers/news/najee-harris-injury-update-chargers-optimistic-about-his-return-to-practice [5] https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/najee-harris-injury-update-chargers-running-back-to-start-training-camp-on-non-football-injury-list/ [6] https://twitter.com/nfl/status/1674231620271668224 [7] https://www.chargers.com/news/najee-harris-eye-injury-chargers-training-camp [8] https://www.steelers.com/team/roster/najee-harris/169e8249-b30c-48e9-850d-97c568568411
- Although the Chargers' running back Najee Harris is recovering from a "superficial" eye injury, the team has placed him on the active/non-football injury list to ensure his complete recovery before he returns to practice.
- Doubts about the nature of Harris' injury on social media have arisen, but the Chargers remain optimistic about his readiness for the regular season, provided he clears medical evaluations.
- Harris has been working with doctors at Stanford since the Fourth of July fireworks mishap and is expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season.
- The media attention toward Harris' injury might impact Harris' integration into the Chargers' new system, as he competes with other running backs for playing time.
