Why isn’t Najee Harris playing for the Chargers against the Commanders in Week 5?
Los Angeles lost star running back Harris in Week 3 while playing the Broncos.
The Los Angeles Chargers opened the 2025 NFL season in style, winning their first three games. But their victory over the Denver Broncos came at a heavy cost, with running back Najee Harris suffering a season-ending injury. The bad news for the Chargers, without Harris, is that the team then lost in Week 4 to the Giants.
In the second quarter in Week 3 against the Broncos, Harris collapsed before taking a handoff from quarterback Justin Herbert. The 27-year-old immediately clutched his leg, was helped to the sideline, and then carted to the locker room, where he remained for the rest of the game.
Justin Herbert is a certified psycho
— Benchwarmer Sports (@bdubsports_) September 22, 2025
Najee Harris is laying on the turf after ripping his achilles and Herbie just hops over him and delivers a dart 🎯
This is what you want from a franchise QB. Stone cold. Robotic. Zero emotions#BoltUp #DENvsLAC pic.twitter.com/xJ6f3k0tSW
Harbaugh confirms Harris’ torn Achilles
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed that Harris had torn his Achilles and will miss the entire season.
“He was really playing well. Playing great, especially on the gap scheme, he was hitting on the short-yardage plays,” Harbaugh said. “Phenomenal pickups by him, second effort all the way.”
Tough stretch for Harris after NFL iron man streak
The devastating news caps a turbulent few months for Harris, who missed all of training camp and preseason after suffering an eye injury in a Fourth of July fireworks accident. He recovered in time for Week 1 but now faces a lengthy layoff.
Before joining Los Angeles in the offseason, Harris had never missed a game in four years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, starting all 68 regular-season contests and three playoff games.
Chargers lose first game in Week 4
Despite losing their star running back, the Chargers were strong favorites to defeat the Giants. The team just wasn’t the same without Harris and lost to the Giants in New York 21-18.
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