It's officially Week 1 and with a game looming in Brazil on Friday, the LA Chargers dropped their first injury report of the year on Tuesday. Najee Harris' lingering eye injury is dominating the storylines around the Chargers with fans wondering whether or not the former Steeler will play in Week 1.
Chargers fans may have gotten their answer in Tuesday's injury report. Harris was listed as a full participant in Tuesday's injury report, paving the way for veteran back to suit up on Friday against the Chiefs.
Safety Elijah Molden was the only other player on the Chargers' injury report. He was listed as limited with a knee injury. Molden suffered the knee injury at the end of last season and did not play in the preseason. All indications are that he will play on Friday.
Chargers all but confirm Najee Harris will play in Week 1 vs. Chiefs
Jim Harbaugh has been rather coy about whether or not Harris would play in Week 1 and what kind of role the running back would have. Him being a full participant in practice does all the talking, and gives fans some much-needed clarity.
Harris attested earlier in the week that his eye injury is superficial and does not impact his vision. Still, with Harris not practicing during training camp or the preseason, it was fair to question whether or not he would be in game shape for Friday's opener in Brazil.
The Chargers upgrading Harris to a full participant answers that question. Now, the question sihfts to how big of a role Harris will have in his first game with the Chargers. Harris is splitting duties with rookie Omarion Hampton, who the Chargers are very high on after taking him in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The original expectation was that Hampton would get a bulk of the work even if Harris was active in Week 1. However, with Harris being upgraded to a full participant as early as Tuesday, we may end up seeing a true 50/50 split between the two first-round running backs.
Whatever it is, the Chargers' offense is better with Najee Harris healthy. Whether he is the leading back in Friday's game or a complementary piece, Justin Herbert and the Bolts are better off with Harris playing.