Former Alabama RB Najee Harris has status set for Chargers debut vs. Chiefs
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The NFL is back in full swing, and the excitement is high as former college stars return to the field, including former Alabama running back Najee Harris.
Despite an eye injury sustained during a fireworks incident that kept him out of training camp, Harris is set to make his much-anticipated debut for the Los Angeles Chargers in their season opener on Friday in Brazil.
On their official injury on Thursday, Harris was listed as a full participant throughout the week. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said earlier in the week he expected Harris to play in Week 1, and that was confirmed Thursday.
This offseason, Harris signed a 1-year contract with the Chargers after an impressive 4-year tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he surpassed 1,000 rushing yards each season. Harris was selected as the 24th overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft by Pittsburgh.
During his time at Alabama, Harris was nothing short of electrifying. He became the Crimson Tide’s all-time leader for total touchdowns in a career with an astounding 57 (46 rushing and 11 receiving). He ended his career in Tuscaloosa with 3,843 career rushing yards and 4,624 all-purpose yards, ranking second all-time in Alabama history.
As he steps into his new chapter with the Chargers, expectations are high for Harris to be a cornerstone of their ground-focused offense. However, due to his recent injury layoff, fans have yet to witness how he will mesh into L.A.’s system alongside rookie tailback Omarion Hampton. The former North Carolina standout was selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
He and Harris will take the field Friday at 8 p.m. ET.
Lee Ann joins the Saturday Down South team, bringing over fifteen years of experience covering the SEC as both a sports journalist and football scout. With her keen eye for talent, she has also flexes her skills as the Director of Recruiting for the Rebel Walk( Ole Miss) Herring, is a staff writer at USA Today Sports Wildcats Wire, where she dives into the thrilling world of Kentucky football and basketball. When fall rolls around, you can catch her on air as an analyst for the Wake up 502 College Football Show on Big X Sports Radio 96.1 FM—because who doesn't love a good game day chat? A proud Brown University alum, Lee Ann balances her time between the sidelines and press box with her passion for coaching her boys' youth lacrosse and savoring a fine glass of bourbon alongside a good cigar. So, whether she's dissecting plays or rallying the next generation of athletes, Lee Ann is your spirited insider ready to tackle all things SEC!
