The Chargers’ Preseason Puzzle: Injury Concerns and Position Battles
As the Los Angeles Chargers gear up for the upcoming NFL season, slated to kick off on September 5 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, several critical questions loom large about the team’s lineup. During the spring workouts, one of the most hotly debated topics was whether Bradley Bozeman would retain his position at center or if he and left guard Zion Johnson would swap roles. This uncertainty is indicative of a larger set of challenges facing the Chargers as they approach training camp, which begins this Thursday in El Segundo.
One of the most pressing concerns is running back Najee Harris, who recently suffered an eye injury in a fireworks accident on July 4th in his hometown of Antioch. While Harris’ agent, Doug Hendrickson, has indicated that the injury is “superficial” and he is “fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season,” the ambiguity surrounding Harris’ participation in training camp remains. This raises significant concerns: Will the Chargers place him on the injured list? And, even more importantly, what implications will Harris’ potential absence have on the team’s depth chart at running back?
The Chargers secured Harris for a one-year, $9.5 million contract on March 10 to bolster their ground game—an area that has been identified as a focal point for improvement. After a stellar four-year tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where Harris rushed for over 1,000 yards each season, his durability and consistency made him an attractive option. The Chargers are now faced with the possibility of turning to Omarion Hampton, their first-round draft pick from the University of North Carolina and a standout college athlete, should Harris be hindered by his injury during camp.
In the potential absence of Harris, the spotlight will shine on Hampton, who rushed for over 1,500 yards in both of his final college seasons and was a two-time first-team All-ACC selection. His arrival in the Chargers’ backfield aims to complement or, in Harris’ case, potentially replace the established capabilities of the veteran player. However, the effectiveness of either running back will largely depend on the performance of the offensive line, which has undergone a series of adjustments. Significant changes include the addition of Mekhi Becton from the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles, who is set to play right guard alongside rookie right tackle Joe Alt.
Moreover, the Chargers have been experimenting with Johnson at center and Bozeman at left guard during OTAs and minicamp. These shifts are anticipated to bolster the team’s rushing attack, which saw an increase in average yards per attempt—from 3.8 to 4.1—over the previous season. Additionally, left tackle Rashawn Slater, a Pro Bowl selection, is eyeing a contract extension and remains unfazed by the ongoing negotiations. Historical patterns indicate the Chargers often finalize extensions in the lead-up to training camp.
To add another layer to the Chargers’ situation, rookie wide receiver Tre’ Harris, one of 30 second-round draft picks yet to sign their contracts, has not reported as required for the first day of camp. This delay in contract negotiations, particularly for players who were high draft selections, raises questions about how it may affect the team’s overall practices and readiness. The contracts of other second-round picks, such as Carson Schwesinger and Jayden Higgins, were settled much earlier, suggesting a potential bottleneck in negotiations for this year’s draft class.
As the Chargers’ preseason unfolds, they will have to navigate through various uncertainties, notably concerning the health of key players and the adjustments of their offensive line. With the opening game on the horizon, all eyes will be on how Harris and the team adapt if he is sidelined, as well as how the reshuffled offensive line yields performance improvements. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as camp commences, anticipating a challenging yet potentially transformative offseason as the Chargers aim for success in the coming NFL season.
