When the Los Angeles Chargers included Najee Harris on their 53-man roster last week, it felt like things were certainly trending in the right direction for him to play in Week 1.
Harris did not participate in a single training camp practice, but was involved in the team's "Week 0" practices last week. The Chargers opted to keep only Omarion Hampton and Hassan Haskins on the 53-man roster with Harris.
Last week, head coach Jim Harbaugh said there was a possibility Harris would play. He practiced in the team's yellow "non-contact" jersey that the Chargers use for players returning from injury.
Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh announces Najee Harris is cleared for contact ahead of Week 1 status decision
On Monday, Harbaugh provided an update that could result in Harris returning to the Chargers' standard blue and white practice uniforms. Here's Harbaugh's quote on Harris:
"There's a possibility," Harbaugh said when asked about Harris potentially playing. "He's looked really good in practice and cleared for contact. So, just take it one day at a time."
Harris returning to full contact in practices would be a huge step in the right direction towards potentially playing in Week 1. Harris has not participated in a full-speed or contact practice for the entire offseason. The news that he is officially cleared for contact is great to hear.
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In other injury news, Harbaugh also announced that WR Quentin Johnston has cleared concussion protocol. Johnston took a scary hit against the Rams that resulted in him getting carted off the field. He was able to return to practice shortly after that, but didn't immediately clear the protocol. It sounds like things are now set up for the TCU product to start against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chargers will release their first practice injury report later today. We'll have official updates on Harris and Johnston. WR Tre' Harris will also be a name to watch as he missed practices with "tightness" last week. Harbaugh said he was "working through something."
We'll find out for sure later in the week, but things are definitely trending in the right direction for the Chargers to have their top duo at running back on Friday night in São Paulo.