INGLEWOOD, Calif — Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris had what preliminary tests revealed was an Achilles injury during Sunday’s 23-20 win against the Denver Broncos, coach Jim Harbaugh said after the game.
Harris collapsed on a run attempt in the second quarter and immediately grabbed toward his left calf. The Chargers initially said he was questionable to return with an ankle injury before later ruling him out.
Harbaugh said Harris will undergo additional testing to determine the severity of the injury.
Harris had a team-high 28 yards on six carries before exiting. In his place, first-round draft pick Omarion Hampton had 70 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown in the win.
Mekhi Becton also was ruled out of the game with a concussion.
Harris, who signed as a free agent with the Chargers in March, was injured in a July 4 fireworks mishap and landed on the non-football injury/illness list ahead of training camp. He missed all the Chargers’ training camp practices but was ready for the beginning of the season. The Chargers had been increasing Harris’ workload each week, and Sunday, he appeared on track for his most carries and most productive game this season.
Harris has never missed a game in his NFL career. His durability is one of the reasons why he was attractive to the Chargers, but that streak now appears in jeopardy.
Harris rushed for 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His physical style of running is one that Harbaugh covets and having him to start the season was crucial for this team’s ceiling in 2025.
