Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris suffered an eye injury from fireworks at a Fourth of July event. What happened, and will Harris be ready for the start of the upcoming season?
Najee Harris Involved In Fireworks Accident
A statement from agent Doug Hendrickson: 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 to be ready for the upcoming NFL…
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 10, 2025
As first reported by the Mercury News, Harris was involved in a fireworks incident during a Fourth of July event. The explosion led to Harris’ eye injury.
The accident happened on July 5 at 12:20 a.m. PT, on the 2200 block of Spanos Street in Antioch, California.
Per the Contra Costa Fire Protection District, five people were injured. Four were taken to the hospital, and one took themself there.
Harris’ agent, Doug Hendrickson, released a statement on behalf of his client: “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 to be ready for the upcoming NFL season.”
Speculation about Harris’ injury had been rumored on the internet for the past week. Although Hendrickson stated Harris will be ready for the season, the running back is expected to miss the start of Chargers training camp, which begins on July 17.
Harris is lucky to walk away with minimal injuries. Jason Pierre-Paul suffered a serious hand injury on July 4, 2015. Pierre-Paul needed to have his right index finger amputated after a fireworks explosion.
Pierre-Paul went on to play nine more seasons in the NFL, most recently with the Miami Dolphins in 2023. Pierre-Paul was a key member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that won Super Bowl LV.
Los Angeles Chargers Running Back Situation
more of this pls pic.twitter.com/ez4j1uTTnv
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) July 10, 2025
After playing four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Harris signed a one-year, $9.5 million contract.
The former first-round pick rushed for at least 1,000 yards and six touchdowns in four consecutive seasons. Harris is coming off a 2024 campaign with 1,043 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
The Chargers have not had a 1,000-yard rusher since Melvin Gordon in 2017.
The Chargers’ leading rusher in 2024, J.K. Dobbins, signed with the Denver Broncos in free agency. Dobbins rushed for 905 yards last season.
The Chargers brought in Harris to be one of their lead running backs this season. Los Angeles also drafted rookie running back Omarion Hampton in the first round.
If Harris has to miss time, Hampton is capable of handling the load as the starter.
