Whether it was an accidental firework injury to Najee Harris’ eye, sparking rumors of him being for the season, or Harris earning more and more playing time due to a struggling rookie Omarion Hampton, the former Pittsburgh Steelers first-round pick has had a tumultuous timeline as the Los Angeles Chargers’ marquee off-season signee.
Week 3 against the Denver Broncos, Harris is likely to see the headlines one last time. He started off the game with impressive pass protection, powerful runs to garner a 4.7 yards per carry, and a spark for this struggling Chargers rushing attack. Then, disaster struck on a play-action pass where Harris simply fell awkwardly and injured what looked to be his Achilles.
It was later confirmed to be a season-ending torn Achilles injury for Harris, now leading the Chargers to rely on their rookie running back, Omarion Hampton, to carry the bulk of the load. Doing so while looking for other backs on the roster to give rest to Hampton.
Chargers RB Najee Harris Out For Season, Who’s The Next Man Up?
On Roster Chargers Runningback Options
As discussed, Chargers rookie first-round selection, running back Omarion Hampton, will be the next man up. After the rookie, it is quite grim, allowing the Chargers to truly evaluate who they have further down the depth chart and practice squad.
The other Chargers running back on the roster is Hassan Haskins, who has shown flashes with the Chargers, as a receiver, pass protector and rusher. His three-down ability, coupled with immense special teams capability, allows Haskins to be the first option to replace Harris after his injury.
Practice Squad Replacements – An Underrated Intriguing Option
Beyond Haskins, Kimani Vidal and Amar Johnson are on the practice squad, ready to hear their name called. Vidal was already mentioned to be the “next man up” after the Najee Harris injury, giving Chargers fans some hope that their former sixth-round pick will pay off the capital the Chargers spent on him in 2024. The product out of Troy struggled mightily in pass protection in his first season with the Chargers, but showed some flashes as a runner and receiver, allowing for the Bolts to keep him around on the practice squad in 2025.
kimani vidal’s first nfl touch is a td
| @nfloncbs pic.twitter.com/D8GD2ZOroo
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) October 13, 2024
If Vidal continues his development as a pass protector, his elevation may be crucial down the stretch of this Chargers season.
As for Johnson, the other practice squad running back, he was initially signed to the Packers roster as an undrafted free agent from South Dakota State, having a senior season consisting of 193 carries for 1222 yards and 14 touchdowns. This production continued in the preseason, having 22 carries for 115 yards and two touchdowns on just 25 offensive snaps. This production surprisingly disallowed Johnson from making the Packers’ final 53-man roster.
After he was let go, the Chargers signed Johnson as their replacement for the loss of Raheim “Rocket” Sanders.
Former @GoJacksFB RB Amar Johnson gets himself a Lambeau Leap in his preseason debut. Far and away the highlight of the night for Green Bay. pic.twitter.com/GDQuxmQP97
— Jay Elsen – Midco Sports (@ElsenMidco) August 10, 2025
Current Free Agents Who Spent Preseason With Chargers
In the short term, it is important to find running backs who know the Chargers playbook, so they can hit the ground running for the offense. Only two names fit the bill: Jaret Patterson and Nyheim Miller-Hines.
Patterson initially made the Chargers roster in 2024, but unfortunately was cut shortly after the initial cut-down day. After a season spent on the practice squad, he entered 2025 looking to recreate the moment of making the Chargers roster. Unfortunately, this did not happen, as he dealt with injuries that eventually led to his dismissal.
If he is healthy, Patterson could bring valuable experience as a rusher and receiver to this Chargers offense.
The more intriguing option for the Bolts is Miller-Hines, who, by all means, “fumbled” his chance away from being the Chargers’ final roster. But now, after the Najee Harris injury, Miller-Hines has an opportunity to redeem himself. The former Colts and Bills RB was once an extremely valuable receiver, runner, and return man, who could add plenty to an offense. After terrible injury luck, Miller-Hines found himself on the Chargers after missing all of the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Nyheim Miller-Hines was good last night. Had a quality return and showed he’s still got some wiggle in the run game: pic.twitter.com/1SfoleFqvj
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) August 1, 2025
While flashes were shown in the preseason as a pass protector, runner, receiver, and return man, his fumbling woes prevented the Chargers from keeping him around, at least initially. If he is ready to go, he knows the playbook and becomes the Chargers’ “next man up” running back for the short term.
Main Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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