When Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris took his first step on a 2nd-and-4 with 5:15 left in the second quarter, something snapped. In the Week 3 game against the Denver Broncos, it wasn’t a defender that took out Harris; it was just his own body giving out. Without contact, Harris’ left ankle collapsed beneath him. Harris doubled over in pain, clutching his left leg. The trainers rushed to the field to check on him, and he stamped his right foot on the ground, part frustration, part pain. As he was carted off the field and the crowd waited for the official verdict, the biggest questions were: Is this an Achilles’ tear the end of the 2025 campaign for Najee Harris?

The Chargers’ X handle shared an initial update: “Injury update: Najee Harris (ankle) is questionable to return.” Shortly afterwards, they followed it up with another update that sealed his fate for the Week 3 matchup. “Najee Harris has been downgraded to out and Mekhi Becton (concussion) is also out.” Before the injury, Harris had 6 carries for 28 yards, the most productive of his Chargers’ stint so far. The moment marked not just a painful rupture of a tendon but a sudden break in the Chargers’ game plan.

Since joining the Steelers in 2021, Najee Harris has never missed a single game due to injury. But his 5th NFL season has thrown him a curveball. But it’s not just Harris. WR Derius Davis has also suffered a knee injury and is questionable to return for the game. Chargers’ guard Mekhi Becton now faces concussion protocol. Next man up isn’t a mantra. For the Chargers, it has been a major necessity. Following Harris’ exit, Omarion Hampton took up the helm and drove home a 3-yard touchdown. At the end of the first half, that brought the Chargers a lead of 10-7. But what happens now?

This year has already seen prime pieces go down across franchises due to Achilles injuries. The Kansas City Chiefs’ safety Deon Bush tore his Achilles in the preseason. The Washington Commanders RB Austin Ekeler also suffered the same injury in Week 2. Now the Chargers face mounting doubts about durability as their offense’s core falls to what could be a season ending injury, pushing the team into uncertain territory.

Chargers without Najee Harris?

Achilles injuries have a brutal reputation in the league. Recovery often stretches close to a year, testing a player’s rehab resolve. Harries faces his toughest battle yet. After overcoming an offseason eye injury from a fireworks accident that delayed his training camp prep, this blow came at a critical moment as he was starting to assert his role. The Chargers must pivot fast.

Losing Harris throws a wrench in Jim Harbaugh’s game plan. Harris came to L.A. after logging four straight 1,000+ yard seasons. His blend of speed and athleticism is the perfect fit for Harbaugh’s schemes. Without Harris, rookie first rounder Omarion Hampton will be pushed into a bigger role. But a rookie stepping into a lead back’s shoes could be a gamble. Backups Kimani Vidal and Amar Johnson could also see their roles increase. But none of them have Harris’ blend of power and patience. Shifting more heavily to the passing game with Justin Herbert and his weapons might become necessary.

Justin Herbert’s elite arm and the presence of receivers like Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston offer a bright spot. But even with increased passing, that run game is necessary to keep the defenses honest. The task ahead for Harbaugh and Co. will be to balance a leaning pass game with a banged-up backfield. They could also explore signing or promoting other RBs as injuries stack. For now, the Chargers are trailing behind the Broncos 20 – 13 with 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter. Once the game ends and more details on the severity of Harris’ injury is revealed we’ll know how Los Angeles moves forward.