Los Angeles Chargers fans can anticipate seeing Najee Harris on the field when the team faces off against the Kansas City Chiefs in São Paulo, Brazil, on Friday night. Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed on Wednesday that he expects the running back to be ready for Week 1. "Yes," Harbaugh stated when asked if Harris would play, adding, "Full on the injury report. He says he's ready, and he looks ready to go".

Harris himself expressed optimism, saying on Monday, "I'm feeling good though. We'll just see where it leads". He has been participating fully in practice, further solidifying his readiness for the game.

The veteran running back's availability was uncertain after he sustained a superficial eye injury in a fireworks accident on July 4. This injury placed him on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list throughout training camp. However, he was activated from the list last week and has been diligently working to get back in shape. Harris will be wearing a visor to protect his eye.

While Harris is expected to play, the extent of his role remains unclear. When asked about Harris's potential workload, Harbaugh said, "Those are really hard to predict, play counts and things of that nature. Get in there, play football and have at it. That's kind of the mindset. Not kind of, that is the mindset".

The Chargers' backfield has a new look this season with the addition of Harris via free agency in March and the drafting of Omarion Hampton in the first round. Hampton was the 22nd pick in the 2025 draft after two All-American seasons at North Carolina. In 2024, he accounted for 38.5% of North Carolina's total offense, amassing 2,033 yards from scrimmage and concluding his college career with 36 rushing touchdowns. The game against the Chiefs will offer the first glimpse of how Harris and Hampton will function together. Harbaugh plans to utilize both Harris and Hampton. The Chargers are aiming to achieve a balance of explosiveness and durability in their backfield with both players available.

Harris has a history of strong performance, having rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his four NFL seasons with the Steelers. In his 68 NFL games, all starts, he has accumulated 4,312 rushing yards and 28 rushing touchdowns. The Steelers chose Harris as the 24th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and he subsequently earned a Pro Bowl selection and NFL All-Rookie team honors in his first season.