Speculation emerged around LA Chargers running back Najee Harris following Fourth of July weekend. Whispers of Harris suffering a firework-related accident that impacted his eye in his hometown started gaining steam in social media circles. Fans were hopeful it was baseless.
Unfortunately, additional reports have emerged supporting the speculation.
Sources tell Rick Hurd, Nate Gartrell, and Darren Sabedra of Bay Area News Group that Harris suffered an injury due to an explosion on the Fourth of July. The extent of the injury was not disclosed in the report, but some details were shared (subscription required):
"According to multiple sources, Harris first went to John Muir Hospital in Concord and later to Stanford Hospital for treatment. It was unclear whether he was transported by ambulance or by private vehicle to the John Muir facility."
Shortly after the report went live, Ian Rapoport provided more context via Harris' agent. According to Harris' agent, the Chargers RB was present where a firework mishap resulted in injuries to several attendees. He said the injury is "superficial" and that Harris will be ready for the start of the season.
Sources confirm Chargers RB Najee Harris suffered an injury on the Fourth of July
Before sources confirmed the injury in this report, NFL insider Jordan Schultz commented a heart on one of Harris' most recent Instagram posts. This was the first red flag to Chargers fans that the speculation could have been real.
The Chargers signed Harris to a one-year, $5.25 million contract worth up to $9 million in incentives. The former first-round pick spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he recorded over 1,000 rushing yards in all four seasons.
Harris has not missed a single game in his NFL career.
The Chargers begin training camp early in 2025 due to the team's participation in the Hall of Fame Game on July 31. Rookies report to camp on Saturday, July 12.
Training camp officially kicks off on Thursday, July 17, one week from the day of this report. More information should be available by then as Chargers coaches and players will be speaking to the media.
We will continue to update this post with new information as it becomes available.