Los Angeles Chargers open 2024 camp with Najee Harris on the NFI list after an eye injury. See how Nyheim Hines and Omarion Hampton are stepping up in his absence.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The pads are on and the Southern California sun is beating down on The Bolt. Yes, Chargers training camp is officially underway, but the usual buzz of optimism is mixed with a heavy dose of uncertainty. While Coach Jim Harbaugh is ready to build on last year's dominant defensive performance, the biggest storyline revolves around a player who isn't even on the practice field. Star running back Najee Harris is starting camp on the sidelines, forcing the team to shuffle its plans and test its depth from day one.
General manager Joe Hortiz confirmed Harris has not yet been seen by team doctors and is expected to start camp on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list.
The news that sent a shiver through the fanbase came from a bizarre July 4th fireworks accident, which resulted in a superficial eye injury for Najee Harris. While the team insists the multi-million dollar back will be ready for the regular season, starting camp on the NFI list is far from ideal. In a swift and necessary move, GM Joe Hortiz brought in veteran Nyheim Hines. Hines is a comeback story himself, having missed two full seasons with a knee injury. His signing provides a much-needed veteran presence and a potential pass-catching threat out of the backfield. This unexpected turn of events also swings the door wide open for rookie first-rounder Omarion Hampton, who will now get a massive opportunity to prove he belongs and carve out a significant role early.
While the offense adjusts, the defense is tasked with an equally tall order: repeating as the league's No. 1 unit without Joey Bosa and Poona Ford. The departure of Bosa, a franchise cornerstone for years, leaves a massive hole both on the field and in the locker room. The pressure now falls squarely on the shoulders of ageless wonder Khalil Mack, who returns for his 12th season to lead the charge. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter's system will be tested as he looks to rookies like defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell and edge rusher Kyle Kennard to step up immediately. Maintaining that top ranking will depend on how quickly these new pieces can contribute alongside the established core.
This is all part of the grand plan in year two of the Jim Harbaugh experience. The increased national spotlight, evidenced by multiple prime-time games on the 2025 schedule, is a direct result of the discipline and dominance he instilled last season. The early roster turbulence is the first major test for the culture Harbaugh and Hortiz are building. They want a team that can absorb a blow—like losing a starting running back temporarily—and not miss a beat. The focus is on competition at every position, building depth, and creating a roster that is resilient enough to handle the marathon of an NFL season.
The first week of camp is all about setting the tone, and the Chargers are already facing their first dose of adversity. The coming days will be crucial for evaluating the running back depth, seeing which young defenders can seize their opportunity, and getting a clearer timeline on Harris's return. The Harbaugh era's second chapter has begun, and while the plot took an unexpected turn, the goal remains the same: build a champion. All eyes are on El Segundo as the Bolts forge their 2025 identity.
