Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris sustained a superficial eye injury during a fireworks mishap at a July Fourth event in California. His agent Doug Hendrickson confirmed to ESPN\'s Adam Schefter that Harris is expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season.
The incident occurred in Antioch, California, where multiple attendees were injured according to Hendrickson. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that one person was hospitalized after losing fingers in the accident, citing local police sources.
Harris signed a one-year contract with Los Angeles in March to anchor the team\'s struggling ground game. The Chargers haven\'t had a 1,000-yard rusher since Melvin Gordon\'s 1,105 yards in 2017, marking eight consecutive seasons without reaching that milestone.
Jim Harbaugh\'s staff emphasized building an effective rushing attack this offseason. However, the team finished below league average last season at 110.7 rushing yards per game despite the coaching staff\'s optimistic projections.
The former Pittsburgh Steelers back brings proven production to Los Angeles. Harris eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards in each of his four seasons with Pittsburgh, demonstrating the physical running style that Harbaugh values in his offensive system.
If Harris were to miss time, the Chargers would rely heavily on first-round rookie Omarion Hampton. The organization declined to comment on the situation when contacted.
Via Kris Rhim/ESPN