Everything was going well for the Chargers QB Justin Herbert. They have a clean 3-0 record in the first 3 weeks. He got enough support from talented veteran RB Najee Harris to dominate their rivals. However, the Week 3 game against the Broncos ended in heartbreak as the running back tore his Achilles. He is under observation since the time they carted him off the field in 2nd quarter. That leaves a deep void in their offense.

Speaking to the reporters after Wednesday’s practice on September 24, the QB cleared his feelings about the RB’s absence. Herbert said, “It’s always tough to lose a teammate like that, especially a leader like Najee (Harris)…..Najee’s an incredible back and an incredible teammate, and someone’s going to have to step up (and fill the void.)“

Well, Justin Herbert has missed him since the season began. The Chargers signed RB to a 1-year, $5.2 million deal. But he injured his eye during a July 4 celebration that also sidelined him from practice. This year, he didn’t start a game but played in three, recording 15 rushes for 61 yards without scoring.

That’s not like his usual performance. In 4 seasons with the Steelers, he started all 17 games each year, racking up 1000+ yards in all of those seasons. His numbers from 2021 to 2024, 68 games (all starters), 1097 catches, 4312 rushing yards, and 28 touchdowns show dominance. Even in the receiving game, he chipped in with 180 receptions for 1149 yards and 6 TDs, which came in handy in times of need.

But the recent blows have kept the Chargers’ rushing game below average. After 3 games, the AFC West franchise ranks 16th in catches (79), 24th in the league in rushing yards (277) and touchdowns (1). So now the responsibility lies with their second in line, RB Omarion Hampton. The first-round pick (22nd overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft is expected to get more action. In 3 games (3 starters), he has 42 rushes for 142 rushing yards and 1 touchdown.

Everything depends on the medical reports of Najee Harris. But the Chargers are taking action instead of loose talk.

Chargers take action in Najee Harris’ situation

Usually, an Achilles injury rules players out of the entire season. We saw it with Aaron Rodgers in his debut game for the NY Jets in 2023. But the running back is only 27 years old. So, he has the age factor on his side. Amid the speculation about his return timeline, the team is also keeping an eye on their RB. But they know they have to place him on the Injured Reserve (IR) list. It shows the injury is serious. So brace yourselves for some changes in the lineup.

That marks the first time Najee Harris will miss games because of an injury. He suffered a grade 1 abdominal muscle sprain/pull injury in week 12 of the 2022 season, but surprised everyone by returning in the next game. Similarly, in 2024, he was seen in a sling after a game in the 2024 season, but did not come out of the game while playing. So, the Chargers are factoring in his unusual strength.

The team has already started looking at the options. Bleacher Report‘s Moe Moton reported that the Chargers could be looking into the AFC East franchise, Miami Dolphins, for the RB Jaylen Wright. The 2024 fourth-round pick played 15 games last year (1 starter) and finished with 68 attempts for 249 yards and zero touchdowns.

So, he might not fill the void left by Najee Harris. But the Chargers could use the sophomore in their offensive scheme. Yet, they could also dive in their 90-man roster of Kimani Vidal and Amar Johnson. Both RBs practised with Justin Herbert on September 24. And the QB also praised their game understanding.

It’s a lot of Xs and Os right now. Stay connected, as we will keep bringing more details from the situation as it clears up.