NFL News Roundup: Chargers RB Najee Harris (Eye) Expected to Start Training Camp on NFI List…read more…
As NFL training camps officially prepare to open across the league, the Los Angeles Chargers may have to wait a bit longer before seeing one of their key offseason additions on the field. Running back Najee Harris, acquired by the Chargers earlier this year, is reportedly expected to begin training camp on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list due to an eye issue that has lingered into July.
While not considered a long-term concern, the Chargers are opting for caution with Harris, a fourth-year veteran who previously played for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The NFI designation allows teams to keep injured players on the roster without occupying an active spot, often used for minor injuries sustained outside of official team activities.
Eye Injury Reported in Offseason
Harris’ eye condition reportedly stems from an offseason training incident that involved irritation to the cornea during a workout. Though initial reports suggested he would be fully ready for camp, further evaluation this week prompted the team to consider keeping him sidelined for precautionary reasons.
Sources close to the situation indicate that Harris may only miss a few days to a week, but the Chargers are waiting until he’s cleared by medical personnel before allowing him to participate in contact drills. He is still expected to be a central figure in the team’s backfield by the time preseason games begin in August.
Harris Ready for a Fresh Start in L.A.
Harris, 26, was traded from the Steelers to the Chargers in March after Pittsburgh committed to Jaylen Warren as its lead back. The Alabama product has compiled over 3,000 rushing yards in his first three seasons but saw a dip in production in 2024, leading to speculation about his long-term future in Pittsburgh.
Now with the Chargers, Harris is looking to reinvigorate his career. His arrival in Los Angeles was part of a broader roster overhaul spearheaded by new head coach Jim Harbaugh, who has been vocal about implementing a run-first identity with the Bolts.
“Najee brings power, toughness, and veteran poise to our backfield,” Harbaugh said earlier this offseason. “We’re going to be smart with how we bring him along in camp. The season is a marathon, not a sprint.”
Chargers’ Running Back Depth
With Harris temporarily unavailable, the Chargers will look toward second-year back Isaiah Spiller and rookie Darius Taylor to take the majority of first-team reps in the opening days of camp. Spiller, a 2022 fourth-round pick out of Texas A&M, has shown flashes in limited duty and will be under evaluation as he competes for a larger role.
Taylor, a fifth-round selection from Minnesota in this year’s draft, impressed during rookie minicamp and OTAs with his quick burst and pass-catching ability. The Chargers also retained veteran scatback Joshua Kelley, who is expected to handle third-down duties.
The team is optimistic about the overall depth in the backfield, even if Harris misses extended time. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman, known for his run-heavy schemes in Baltimore and San Francisco, has praised the group’s versatility and emphasized that competition will be key during camp.
“We’ve got a stable of guys who can all contribute in different ways,” Roman said. “We want to find the right mix that complements our offensive line and maximizes our ground game.”
Broader NFL Injury Updates
Around the league, several other notable players are also heading into training camp with injury designations. Among them:
Raiders DT Christian Wilkins was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list as he continues to recover from a fractured foot.
49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk landed on the PUP list due to lingering knee soreness, though the team believes he will be available before preseason games begin.
Lions C Frank Ragnow, a Pro Bowl center, was also placed on the PUP list, raising concerns for Detroit’s offensive line continuity.
Dolphins CB Xavien Howard is expected to miss the start of camp with a groin strain suffered during summer workouts.
As is often the case in mid-July, teams are navigating a delicate balance between ramping up football activities and keeping key contributors healthy. Most of the current designations are believed to be precautionary, but the situation will continue to evolve over the next few weeks.
What Is the NFI List?
The Non-Football Injury (NFI) list is a designation used by NFL teams to manage players who are dealing with ailments not sustained during football-related activities. This can include offseason training injuries, illnesses, or other non-contact setbacks.
Players on the NFI list do not count against the 90-man camp roster and can be activated at any time during the preseason. If they remain on the list into the regular season, they must sit out the first four games.
Unlike the PUP list, which is specifically for football-related injuries occurring before training camp, the NFI list is broader in scope. For veterans like Harris, placement on the NFI list typically signals a short-term absence unless otherwise noted.
Chargers’ Camp Outlook
The Chargers enter camp with cautious optimism as Harbaugh kicks off his first full season as head coach. In addition to Harris, the team is monitoring the health of left tackle Rashawn Slater (who missed several games last year), and rookie wideout Ladd McConkey, who is returning from a college hamstring injury.
Los Angeles is aiming to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 campaign that saw the team finish 7–10 and miss the playoffs. With quarterback Justin Herbert healthy again and the new coaching staff installed, the team’s front office believes the pieces are in place for a turnaround.
Though Harris’ temporary absence will be closely watched, the team’s long-term outlook remains intact. The Chargers’ first preseason game is scheduled for August 10 against the Seattle Seahawks, giving Harris and other injured players time to ramp up toward full participation.
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