By DANIEL MATTHEWS, US SENIOR SPORTS WRITER
Published: 07:06 EDT, 13 August 2025 | Updated: 07:07 EDT, 13 August 2025
Los Angeles Chargers star Najee Harris took part in football drills for the first time this training camp as he continues to recover from a bizarre fireworks 'mishap' during July 4 celebrations.
The running back is coming back from a 'superficial eye injury' he suffered during the freak accident, which happened in the early hours of July 5 and left some people hospitalized.
Following the incident, Harris' agent said the 27-year-old is 'fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season.'
And the running back took a major step forward in his comeback on Tuesday, when he worked with an athletic trainer, running and handling a football.
For the previous 10 days, Harris had been limited to conditioning work - walking laps around the Chargers' practice field wearing a helmet and weighted vest. He has been on the non-football injury list since the start of camp.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has so far stopped short of confirming Harris will be ready for Los Angeles' season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs in Brazil on September 5.
LA Chargers star Najee Harris took part in football drills for the first time this training camp
The running back is recovering from a bizarre fireworks 'mishap' during July 4 celebrations
'There's a chance he is (available)' Harbaugh said last week, adding that the veteran back can open his eye once more. But precise details of the injury have remained hidden.
If Harris remains on the NFI list when rosters are finalized August 26, he must miss the first four games of the 2025 season.
Harris joined the Chargers back in March after agreeing a one-year deal worth up to $9.25million back in March. He previously spent four years with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After the freak July 4 incident, the police released a statement which read: 'This is an unfortunate accident, and our thoughts are with the family and all those affected during this difficult time.
'We ask for patience and privacy for the families as the investigation continues.'