Uncertainty around Najee Harris has loomed over the LA Chargers following his July 4th fireworks accident. While he is in the building and in meetings per HC Jim Harbaugh, he remains on the NFI list with his superficial eye injury. Time will tell as tot when he is able to be activated and ultimately return to practice.
Also of note for the Chargers is the UDFA RB Raheim Sanders has missed practices, including both Saturday and Monday. Right now, the group in camp is Omarion Hampton, Kimani Vidal, Hassan Haskins, and Jaret Patterson.
The Chargers are looking into possible running back signings. Per my report, they worked out former Colts and Bills RB Nyheim Hines. Hines last played in the league in 2022. He suffered injuries from an offseason ski accident that ended his 2023 season. Now, he attempts a comeback bid to get back into the NFL.
Daniel Popper of The Athletic reported that the Chargers also worked out John Kelly in addition to Hines. Kelly was on Los Angeles' practice squad last season.
Chargers work out Nyheim Hines and John Kelly with Najee Harris on the NFI list
On one hand, the Chargers could simply be looking for more camp bodies. No Harris or Sanders at practices right now means they'd have just four running backs eligible to play in the Hall of Fame game.
Not to mention, it's questionable whether first-round pick RB Omarion Hampton would get much run in the extra Chargers' preseason exhibition. Last year, first-round pick Joe Alt played in just two preseason games while sitting the team's third game vs. the Cowboys.
Alternatively, the workouts do give one pause when thinking about just how soon Harris will be back at practice. Harris' agent said he expects him to be ready for Week 1, but an extended training camp absence would be a perfect reason to go look for playable snap eaters on the open market.
We'll see whether the Chargers sign either player to add to their rather thin camp rotation. They're just 10 days away from kickoff against Detroit in the Hall of Fame game.