An internet rumor became reality for the LA Chargers last week when it was revealed that running back Najee Harris suffered an eye injury due to a firework mishap on the Fourth of the July.
Rumors spread about Harris injuring his eye on social media but it all seemed to be conjecture started by fans who wanted to have a laugh. That wasn't the case at all. The injury is very real and it will have an impact on Harris' early days as a Charger.
Thankfully, the early reports about the severity of the injury are promising, although fans still remained cautious as the information was coming directly from Harris' agent. NFL insider Ian Rapoport provided more nuance on Monday, however, that paints a better picture for Harris and the Chargers.
From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: The latest on #Chargers RB Najee Harris, who escaped major injury during a fireworks incident but likely misses limited time to begin training camp. pic.twitter.com/AdPYbFrSFK
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 14, 2025
Najee Harris and the Chargers avoid true disaster
Najee Harris avoided a real-life disaster while the Chargers avoided a football disaster in which their new signing wouldn't see the field early in the season (if at all if the injury was serious enough).
Harris only suffering superficial injuries to his eye, if these reports are to be believed, is a massive blessing for the former first-round pick. It goes without saying that fireworks can be dangerous and there could have been far worse outcomes for everyone involved.
If the far worse outcome were a reality, the Chargers would've lost out on one of the biggest signings the team made this offseason. First-round pick Omarion Hampton would have gone from a committee back to a lead back quickly, with the depth behind him needing to step up.
All this being said, this still could have an impact on how Harris begins his Chargers tenure. Harris was not put on the PUP list with his five teammates on Monday, although he should be put on the non-football injury (NFI) list in the coming days.
Even if Harris is ready to rock in Week 1, getting a slow start in training camp can impact his productivity on a new team. It wouldn't be surprising if Harris gets off to a slow start in 2025 and the Chargers are forced to lean more on Hampton than the team initially expected.
But at this point, it appears that Harris and the Chargers avoided the true worst-case scenario. Hopefully, Harris can have a full recovery that does not impact his long-term vision and the Chargers can benefit from his motor in 2025.