Najee Harris is reportedly back on the Chargers' 53-man roster. After an offseason in which he missed all of LA's training camp practices, he looks on pace to return for the game against the Chiefs in Brazil. Per Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Harris is being activated off of the NFI list onto their 53-man roster.
This comes as a critical development. If Harris had stayed on the NFI list past Tuesday's roster deadline, he would've had to miss at least the first four games of the Chargers' season.
Chargers RB Najee Harris may be able to play against the Chiefs in Week 1 after all.
On the CBS broadcast of the Chargers' preseason finale vs. the 49ers, GM Joe Hortiz said that he was "hopeful" Harris could be back for Week 1. While it's still not a lock that he will be ready for the Chiefs game, getting back onto the 53-man roster is a massive step towards that goal.
The Chargers also reportedly cut two running backs in clearing the way for Harris' spot on the roster. UDFA RB Raheim "Rocket" Sanders will hit waiver claims after an impressive preseason. RB Nyheim Miller-Hines was also released, but he will be an unrestricted free agent as he isn't subject to waivers.
2025 first-round pick Omarion Hampton is a roster lock to eventually be in a clear rushing duo with Harris. Outside of that, we're still waiting to find out whether RBs Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins made the 53-man roster. The Chargers did keep four running backs on their initial roster last season. It would make sense to do so as Harris ramps up.
The next step is Harris returning to practice. He'll have effectively nine days to get back into team drills in an attempt to play vs. the defending AFC Champion Chiefs. The former Steelers back has only done light walking and running on the practice field with a weighted vest on.
Harris' agent Doug Hendrickson claimed he would be back for Week 1 despite his offseason eye injury. Now, it appears that Harris is closer to making that claim a reality.