The Los Angeles Chargers will have a new-look rushing attack in 2025. Who will get the nod at starting running back is unknown. As the Chargers prepare for training camp, Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton are the two backs poised to compete for the lead job.
Najee Harris’ Injury Complicates Running Back Competition
Statement from agent Doug Hendrickson on his client Chargers RB Najee Harris: “Najee Harris was present at a 4th of July event where a fireworks mishap resulted in injuries to several attendees. Najee sustained a superficial eye injury during the incident, but is fully expected…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 10, 2025
After spending his first four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Harris signed a one-year, $9.5 million contract with the Chargers.
The 27-year-old is expected to be a focal point in Jim Harbaugh’s rushing attack.
However, a recent injury potentially throws a wrench in the Chargers’ plans for the season.
Harris suffered an eye injury after a fireworks explosion during a Fourth of July event. Five people were injured and treated for their wounds at the hospital.
Harris’ agent released a statement on Thursday, saying his client will be ready for the Chargers’ Week 1 game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Brazil.
“Najee Harris was present at a 4th of July event where a fireworks mishap resulted in injuries to several attendees,” Hendrickson said in a statement via Adam Schefter. “Najee sustained a superficial eye injury during the incident, but is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season.”
Even though Harris should be ready for Week 1, it’s unlikely he’ll be cleared to play at the start of training camp. The more practices Harris misses, the more likely his Chargers’ debut gets delayed.
Who Wins The Chargers’ Running Back Competition?
Najee is an incredibly important piece of the #Chargers offense and his availability is crucial to Omarion Hampton’s development. I hear ppl talking like Najee is a bum or something. https://t.co/MDuBRZNwYs pic.twitter.com/HymeiLh4iY
— Powder Blue Blood (@pwdrblueblood) July 11, 2025
Last season, the Chargers ranked 17th in rushing yards per game with 110.7. The top rushers were J.K. Dobbins (905 yards), Gus Edwards (365), and Kimani Vidal (155). Justin Herbert also ran for 306 yards.
Only Vidal returns for the 2025 campaign, as Dobbins signed with the Broncos, and Edwards remains unsigned.
Harris, a first-round pick in 2021, has rushed for at least 1,000 yards and six touchdowns in four consecutive seasons. Harris ran for 1,043 yards and six touchdowns in 2024.
Harris’ biggest competition will be Hampton, whom the Chargers selected in the first round of this past draft. The North Carolina running back rushed for at least 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns in his last two seasons.
Harris and Hampton are similar threats as receivers, though Hampton is considered the more explosive player with the ball in his hands.
The Chargers will try to have their first 1,000-yard rusher since 2017.
Had Harris not injured his eye, he would have been the likely candidate to start Week 1. However, the Chargers used a first-round pick on Hampton to be their back for the next five years. The future starts now.
Predicted winner: Omarion Hampton
