No matter what Najee Harris does, the Los Angeles Chargers are aware of their strategy regarding their running back arrangement when they go up against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman communicated that rookie running back Omarion Hampton will either share carries with Harris or another running back that is on the roster.
Harris, previously a first-round pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers and routinely a 1,000-yard rusher, is still recuperating from a “superficial eye injury” that occurred due to a fireworks incident on the Fourth of July.
“There will be a rotation of players regardless of what happens,” Roman mentioned. “The era of only one running back taking every snap is almost like the time of the dinosaurs.”
Roman added that it is still up in the air regarding who would share carries with Hampton should Harris’ eye injury prevent him from participating in Week 1. Raheim Sanders is among the Chargers’ potential choices. He is an undrafted rookie who rushed for 42 yards along with a touchdown on 10 carries during the team’s preseason victory over the Saints recently. Sanders’ competition consists of Hassan Haskins, Kimani Vidal, and Nyheim Miller-Hines.
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“There are a great number of talented players present, and they’re demonstrating that,” Chargers coach John Harbaugh expressed recently regarding his team’s running back situation.
Concerning Harris, Tuesday indicated the first time that the former Pro Bowler was spotted running in any way during the Chargers’ open portion of their practice. Harris was engaged in individual drills on the side during practice, which indicates he is steadily improving as he recovers.
“It’s improved each day,” Harbaugh stated not long ago when questioned concerning Harris’ condition. “Progress is being made significantly.”
Even though Harris’ situation for Week 1 is still uncertain, it is known that Hampton is prepared to have an influence when the Chargers begin the regular season when playing against Kansas City. Hampton, the second running back chosen during this year’s NFL Draft, experienced a successful period in North Carolina, which included winning two consecutive ACC rushing titles.
Hampton has quickly made a great impression on Harbaugh, who formerly played alongside Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk in Indianapolis and trained Frank Gore, a future Hall of Famer, while with the 49ers. Harbaugh recently praised Hampton’s skill in generating running lanes during the team’s non-padded practices.
“He is the only running back I’ve ever encountered who can discover a gap in that mush,” Harbaugh stated. “I have yet to observe him hit the back of the pads of an offensive lineman. Other signs indicate he can run and separate himself from others. We’re extremely happy about him.”
