Since the 2025 NFL Draft, it's been a series of unfortunate events for former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris. The 2021 first-round pick signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an unrestricted free agent during the 2025 offseason. Not long after, the Chargers spent a first-round pick on North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton.
Then there was the whole fireworks incident. Rumors swirled around the internet in July that Harris had suffered a fireworks accident that resulted in the loss of an eye. However, his agent later clarified that it was only a superficial injury. That was the second major blow to the former Steelers running back.
Now, Chargers fans were hit with more disappointing news. On Thursday, ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported that the LA Chargers have placed Harris on the Active/Non-Football Injury list. While Schefter didn't mention the reason why, we can assume that this was a result of the fireworks accident.
So what does this mean for Najee Harris?
A player on the Active/Non-Football Injury list (NFI) is not eligible to participate in games or practices due to an injury or illness suffered that did not occur during football activities. Players can begin on this NFI list during camp, and this designation can be lifted if they can return to the team.
However, if a player on NFI is unable to return by final roster cuts, they will subsequently be moved to the Reserve/NFI list. Players on this list cannot play for at least the first four games of the season.
Here's the real kicker. Unlike players that land on Injured Reserve (IR), players on NFI could lose paychecks, as teams are not obligated to pay base salaries to players injured during recreational activities.
The Pittsburgh Steelers dodged a bullet not extending Najee Harris
There were talks last offseason as to whether the Pittsburgh Steelers should give Najee Harris a contract extension. Before that, many expected the team to pick up his fifth-year option, but Omar Khan and the front office were perfectly fine letting him hit the free agent market. In hindsight, it was for the best.
While Najee proved to be a solid running back who could handle a high number of touches per game without getting injured, he was among the least-efficient starting running backs in the NFL, and the lack of explosive plays was one of his biggest weaknesses.
After suffering an eye injury in a firework accident in July and landing on NFI, Najee's chances of hanging onto a significant role with the LA Chargers are fading by the minute. It would have been hard enough to keep Omarion Hampton off his heels for touches, even if Harris was healthy. Now, there's almost no reason not to move forward with Hampton as the starter, as Najee will miss at least the start of training camp (and possibly longer).
Steelers fans had mixed feelings about Najee Harris during his time in Pittsburgh. But with everything that has transpired with the veteran running back this offseason, this is all the confirmation we needed to know the Steelers made the right decision to move on.
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