Chargers debut new uniforms in the 2025 Hall of Fame Game vs. the Lions, but concern grows over Najee Harris's continued absence. Get the latest update.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Football is back, Bolt Fam! The Chargers kicked off the entire NFL preseason Thursday night in Canton, taking on the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame Game. And they did it in style, debuting slick new powder blue pants that had social media buzzing. But as the lights shone on the new-look Bolts, a significant shadow loomed: the continued and complicated absence of key offseason acquisition, Najee Harris.
There is still no timetable for running back Najee Harris (eye) to return to practice.
Let's start with the fun stuff. The team didn't just play football; they made a statement. The newly unveiled powder blue pants, paired with the classic white jerseys, looked absolutely electric under the lights at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. This is just the first of three new uniform additions for 2025, and the team dropped the full schedule for fans to mark their calendars. Get ready for the 'Charger Power' gold alternates on October 19 against the Colts and the 'Super Chargers' navy blue set for two primetime games. It’s clear the organization is matching the excitement of the Jim Harbaugh era with a look that pops.
While the team was in Canton, the player expected to be the centerpiece of their new ground-and-pound offense was nowhere to be seen. The official word from Coach Harbaugh is that Najee Harris remains sidelined with an eye injury, and his return is indefinite. Compounding the concern are reports that Harris, a cornerstone free-agent signing, has yet to put pen to paper on his contract. While the team listed him as a 'player to watch' in the preseason opener—a sign of his importance—his reality is much different. For a team desperate to establish a physical identity, having their bell-cow back's health and contract status in limbo is a worrying start.
As for the game itself, it was exactly what you'd expect from the first preseason action of the year: a chance to shake off the rust and evaluate new talent. While a final score wasn't available as of this writing, the focus wasn't on the scoreboard. It was on seeing Justin Herbert get a few snaps, watching first-round pick Ladd McConkey get his first taste of NFL speed, and seeing how the depth chart is beginning to stack up. This game is the first data point in a long season, providing a baseline for the coaching staff to build on. For fans wanting a deeper dive, the team's postgame show on YouTube broke down the initial action and key performances.
So, the Chargers leave Canton with a mixed bag. The excitement for the new season, amplified by sharp new uniforms and the return of game day, is real. But so is the concern over Najee Harris. The coming days will be crucial. We'll be watching for any update on Harris's status and for the continued development of the young players who got their first shot tonight. The first chapter is written, but the main story of the 2025 Chargers is just beginning.
