INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Preliminary checks revealed that Los Angeles Chargers operating again Najee Harris suffered an Achilles damage throughout Sunday’s 23-20 win in opposition to the Denver Broncos, coach Jim Harbaugh stated after the sport.
Harris collapsed on a play-action play within the second quarter and instantly grabbed his left calf. The Chargers initially stated he was questionable to return with an ankle damage earlier than later ruling him out.
Harbaugh stated Harris will bear further testing to find out the severity of the damage.
He added that he spoke with Harris at halftime and inspired the veteran operating again that he can be again on the sector and in good condition very quickly. Harbaugh stated that Harris wasn’t dejected, describing his demeanor as “cold-blooded.”
Harris had a team-high 28 yards on six carries earlier than exiting. In his place, first-round draft choose Omarion Hampton had one of the best recreation of his profession, ending with 129 yards from scrimmage and his first profession landing.
“Man, what a recreation he had. How about that?” Harbaugh stated. “He put that work in at present, and he was operating with a objective. Gritty efficiency by him. Simply at all times lunging ahead, surging ahead.”
Hampton stated he texted Harris and wished him a speedy restoration. He additionally acknowledged how his position may change with Harris out.
“I positively acquired to step up,” Hampton stated.
Hampton performed a career-high 63 snaps in opposition to the Broncos; his backup, Hassan Haskins, performed simply six. It is a signal Hampton may very well be the lead again for the Chargers shifting ahead if Harris misses important time. The Chargers additionally might look to raise Kimani Vidal or Amar Johnson from the apply squad or signal a free agent to maintain Hampton from carrying down.
Offensive coordinator Greg Roman has traditionally cut up carries between his high two or three operating backs. In the course of the preseason, when Harris’ standing for Week 1 was doubtful because of a July 4 fireworks mishap, Roman stated Hampton would cut up carries with whichever operating backs had been energetic.
Harris, who signed as a free agent with the Chargers in March, landed on the non-football damage/sickness listing forward of coaching camp after the fireworks accident. He missed all of the Chargers’ coaching camp practices however was prepared for the start of the season. The Chargers had been growing Harris’ workload every week, and Sunday, he appeared on monitor for his most carries and best recreation this season.
Harris has by no means missed a recreation in his NFL profession, and his sturdiness is one purpose he was engaging to the Chargers.
Harris rushed for 1,000 yards in every of his first 4 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His bodily type of operating is one which Harbaugh covets, and having him to begin the season was essential for this workforce’s ceiling in 2025.
“It is at all times too robust to lose a brother like that,” quarterback Justin Herbert stated. “And I believe you by no means wish to see that from any of your personal gamers or an opponent, and we’re wishing for one of the best.”
Additionally Sunday, Chargers offensive lineman Mekhi Becton left with a concussion and is now within the protocol, in accordance with Harbaugh.