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With a perfect 3-0 start to the season, the Los Angeles Chargers are riding high as one of the NFL’s early standouts. However, their latest triumph, a narrow 23-20 win over the Denver Broncos, came with a devastating blow, as star running back Najee Harris suffered a torn left Achilles that will sideline him for the remainder of the season.
The injury happened in the second quarter at SoFi Stadium. On a second-and-4 snap from the Denver 48-yard line, Harris collapsed in the backfield before he could take a handoff. The 27-year-old was in obvious pain, pounding the turf before medical staff rushed to his side. He was eventually carted off the pitch.
Testing later confirmed the Chargers’ worst fears: Harris’ Achilles tear ends his debut season in Los Angeles just three games in. It also halts an impressive streak; he had played in all 71 regular-season games of his NFL career prior to Sunday.
Harris signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Chargers in March after four 1,000-yard campaigns with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He entered Week 3 having logged 61 rushing yards on 15 carries and 25 receiving yards on three catches this season. And against Denver, he had started to find his rhythm, picking up 28 yards on six carries before the injury.
The setback adds to what has been a turbulent year for Harris. Over the summer, he missed all of training camp after suffering an eye injury in a July 4 fireworks accident. Still, the Chargers brought him along steadily, and by Sunday, his workload was trending upward.
Quarterback Justin Herbert, visibly shaken after the game, summed up the team’s mood:
“It’s always too tough to lose a brother like that. You never want to see it, not from your own teammate or even an opponent. We’re all wishing Najee the best.”
The Chargers will now lean on first-round rookie Omarion Hampton, who has already impressed early in his NFL career, as well as Hassan Haskins. Practice-squad options Amar Johnson and Kimani Vidal could also be called upon.
Los Angeles faces the New York Giants next week at MetLife Stadium as they look to maintain their perfect start without one of their most seasoned backs.
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“Rough start, but he was really playing well,” Head Coach Jim Harbaugh on Najee Harris’ season-ending injury
Speaking after the game, Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh didn’t hide his disappointment over losing Najee Harris.
“Rough start, but he was really playing well, especially in the gap scheme,” Harbaugh said. “He was hitting them. The short-yardage play on the final snap of the first quarter, I thought that was a phenomenal pickup by him, second effort all the way. It’s unfortunate that that occurred because after a rough start, he was playing good. He was really good.”
Coach Harbaugh has chosen to remain positive, leaning on his faith and expressing confidence that Harris will overcome this setback in the long run. When asked about Harris’ long-term outlook, he said:
“Faith tells me God has a plan. He works all for the good. Najee’ll be back, and I have no doubt about it.”
While acknowledging the loss, the Chargers coach also expressed confidence in his depth chart. Rookie Hampton, who rushed for 129 yards from scrimmage and scored his first career touchdown against Denver, is expected to carry the load moving forward.
“Kimani’s going to be next man up,” Harbaugh added, referencing practice-squad back Kimani Vidal. “They’re on our roster because we think they’re really good, and I understand guys will step into roles and be at their best when their best is needed most.”
For Harris, the injury couldn’t have come at a more difficult time, with free agency looming in 2026. But for now, Harbaugh and his Chargers are focused on adjusting quickly as they try to keep their promising start to the season alive.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What injury did Najee Harris suffer against the Broncos?
Najee Harris tore his left Achilles tendon during the Chargers’ Week 3 win over the Denver Broncos. The non-contact injury occurred in the second quarter when he collapsed in the backfield before taking a handoff.
How long will Najee Harris be out?
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed Harris will miss the remainder of the 2025 NFL season. Recovery from an Achilles tear typically takes several months, meaning he won’t return until 2026.
Who will replace Najee Harris in the Chargers’ backfield?
First-round rookie Omarion Hampton is expected to take over as the lead back. Hampton already has 129 scrimmage yards and his first career touchdown in Week 3. Hassan Haskins will also contribute, while practice-squad backs Kimani Vidal and Amar Johnson provide additional depth.
