Najee Harris Absent from Chargers Week 10: Key Details Revealed

Najee Harris, the running back who joined the Los Angeles Chargers after four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, will miss the team’s Week 10 game. His absence adds to the ongoing challenges for the Chargers as they face his former team, the Steelers.

Najee Harris Injury Overview

Harris suffered a significant injury that has impacted his debut season in Los Angeles. Initially, on July 4, he encountered a superficial eye injury during a fireworks event, which affected his training camp participation. Despite this minor setback, the Chargers opted not to place him on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury List before the 2023 season.

His first game with the Chargers took place in Brazil against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he made only one carry for five yards. Although his involvement grew in subsequent weeks, it culminated in a serious injury during Week 3.

Details of the Injury

• Date of injury: During Week 3’s game against the Denver Broncos.
• Type of injury: Torn Achilles tendon.
• Initial assessment: Initially reported as an ankle issue.
• Impact: Out for the season.

During the Week 3 matchup, Harris was performing well, having recorded six carries for 28 yards before he got injured. The unfortunate incident occurred when he collapsed while pushing off his left leg with 5:12 remaining in the second quarter, leading to immediate concern from teammates and medical personnel.

Season Implications

This injury is particularly detrimental for Harris and the Chargers. According to Spotrac, he stands to lose approximately $4 million in attainable rushing incentives due to the season-ending nature of his injury. This will likely push him back into free agency next March.

In total, Harris ended the season with only 61 rushing yards, marking the first time in his NFL career that he did not surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a season. His absence has created a void in the Chargers’ backfield, forcing them to adapt quickly.

Team Adjustments

The Chargers’ backfield has seen changes due to Harris’s injury:

• Omarion Hampton initially stepped in but also suffered an ankle injury, sidelining him until Week 13.
• Kimani Vidal has become the primary resource for rushing, handling a bulk of the workload.
• Quarterback Justin Herbert is increasingly contributing to the running game, utilizing his mobility to aid the offense.

Current Performance

Despite the difficulties caused by injuries, the Chargers have demonstrated resilience. They have secured victories in six of their first nine games, currently holding the second position in the AFC West, trailing one game behind the Denver Broncos, who lead the division at 8-2.