The AFC West-leading Los Angeles Chargers have been dealt a blow to their offence.
Tests confirmed that backup running back Najee Harris suffered a season-ending torn Achilles, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters on Monday.
Harris sustained the injury on a non-contact play in the second quarter of a 23-20 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
Harris had three receptions and 15 carries for 86 scrimmage yards through the Chargers' first three games.
The 27-year-old Harris signed a one-year, $9.25 million contract with the Chargers in the off-season after four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He rushed for at least 1,000 yards in each of his seasons with Pittsburgh and was expected to play a central role in the Chargers’ revamped rushing attack in their second season under Harbaugh.
Harris missed training camp after suffering an eye injury in a July 4 mishap in Northern California. His eyesight was not affected and he called it a “superficial” injury. He played in the Chargers’ first two wins over Kansas City and Las Vegas and had six carries for 28 yards against the Broncos.
Harris played in 71 consecutive games since being drafted by the Steelers in the first round in 2021 out of Alabama. He has never missed a game in his NFL career.
--With files from Associated Press
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