Chargers open 2024 training camp, but star RB Najee Harris suffers a bizarre eye injury. See how rookie Omarion Hampton is seizing his unexpected opportunity.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Football is officially back, Bolt Fam! The Los Angeles Chargers became the first team in the league to open the doors for training camp as veterans reported to El Segundo today. While the excitement for the Jim Harbaugh era is palpable, the day's biggest storyline came from an unexpected source: a July 4th fireworks accident that is expected to land star running back Najee Harris on the Non-Football Injury list to start camp.
It's a surface-level injury. We're getting really good reports back on him.
The ink is barely dry on Najee Harris's contract, and he's already facing a hurdle. GM Joe Hortiz confirmed that the new RB suffered a 'minor eye injury' in a fireworks accident over the holiday. While Hortiz stressed the injury is 'surface-level' and Harris is receiving top-notch treatment at Stanford, it's an unfortunate start. This immediately thrusts first-round pick Omarion Hampton into the spotlight, giving him a golden opportunity to take the lion's share of first-team reps as camp begins. The team will evaluate Harris upon his arrival Wednesday evening, but for now, the RB1 competition has a major early-camp storyline.
It wasn't all bad news for the medical staff. Linebacker Daiyan Henley, whose sophomore season was hampered by injury, declared himself '100%' and ready for a full-go at camp. This is a huge boost for a linebacker corps looking for playmakers in Jesse Minter's new-look defense. Elsewhere, Hortiz provided positive updates on receiver Mike Williams (PUP, undisclosed spring injury) and safety Elijah Molden (PUP, offseason surgery), suggesting both could return 'relatively early' in camp. Getting Williams back on the field to build chemistry with Justin Herbert will be a top priority.
The Chargers made a move to shore up their offensive line depth, signing UFL standout tackle Ryan Nelson from the Michigan Panthers. After a strong season in the spring league, Nelson will jump right into the fire, adding competition to a group tasked with keeping Justin Herbert upright. On the other side of the ball, the post-Joey Bosa era begins. The battle for pass-rushing snaps is wide open. All eyes will be on how Jesse Minter deploys rookies Jamaree Caldwell and Kyle Kennard, along with veteran addition Da'Shawn Hand, to generate pressure.
Day one is in the books, and it's already clear this will be a training camp full of intrigue. The immediate focus will be on the health of Harris and Williams, but the real story is the competition brewing at every level. Who will seize the opportunity? Who will earn a spot in Harbaugh's new regime? The pads aren't on yet, but the battle for the 2025 Chargers has officially begun.
