Perhaps the most disappointing story of the Los Angeles Chargers’ season thus far has been the absence of Najee Harris. A top free-agent signing by the team, Harris has been absent from training camp due to a fireworks injury suffered on the Fourth of July.
The expectation is that Harris will be ready when the Chargers face the Kansas City Chiefs in Brazil in Week 1. But even if he’s not available, the Chargers aren’t going to change their plan of attack.
Conventional wisdom might suggest that rookie running back Omarion Hampton will be fed a healthy dose of carries if Harris is not in the lineup. Not so fast, suggests offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who stated to the media that there will be a rotation of running backs regardless.
“There will be rotation no matter what happens. The day of the one running back taking every rep, it’s kinda gone the way of the prehistoric creatures”, said Roman.
The Chargers have high hopes for their first-round pick, Hampton, and want to keep him fresh throughout the season. Head coach Jim Harbaugh had high praise for the rookie.
“He’s the only back I’ve ever been around that can find a hole in that mush. I’ve yet to see him run into the back of the pads of an offensive lineman. Other indicators, he can run, he can pull away. We’re super excited about him”, said Harbaugh.
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If Harris, who has never missed a game in his career, is unable to go in Week 1, Harris will be joined by some combination of Kimani Vidal, Hassan Haskins, Raheim Sanders and Nyheim Hines-Miller. Spots on the roster are wide open for at least a couple of those players to claim.
In two games against the Chiefs last season, the Chargers averaged just 74.5 yards on the ground.
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