Working again Najee Harris addressed reporters for the primary time since being concerned in a Fourth of July fireworks accident — his eyes hidden by Chargers-colored sun shades.
“It’s a humbling expertise,” Harris mentioned concerning the accident that left him with a watch harm. “It nonetheless hasn’t actually shaken. I’m nonetheless going by way of it in a means. Simply the entire state of affairs [can] present you the way issues may change at only a snap of a finger.”
Harris declined to explain the accident intimately, however mentioned he feels blessed the incident wasn’t worse. He mentioned his imaginative and prescient wasn’t affected, reiterating that the harm was superficial.
“I’m simply joyful that everyone’s secure and we’re alive,” Harris mentioned.
Cleared for contact Monday after carrying a non-contact jersey final week, Harris took one other step towards suiting up for the season opener in São Paulo, Brazil, in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs on Friday.
Harris has been carrying a tinted visor — a brand new look in contrast along with his days with the Steelers — and preserving sun shades on off the sector because the accident, which has fueled on-line hypothesis concerning the severity of his harm. Nevertheless, he dismissed the chatter.
“It’s not my job to care what different individuals assume,” Harris mentioned. “It’s my job to do what I received to do, to allow them to write what they wish to, say what they wish to.”
Harris has by no means missed an NFL recreation, beginning in 68 straight contests over 4 seasons in Pittsburgh, however that streak may very well be in jeopardy. He mentioned he expects to play as his workload ramps up.
“We’ll see the place it takes us. … I’m simply recovering, getting in form,” Harris mentioned. “Simply making an attempt to remain on high of the playbook. I used to be on [the non-football injury list], so [that] makes issues a bit tougher.”
Coach Jim Harbaugh, usually tight-lipped on accidents, mentioned there’s “a risk” Harris will play in opposition to the Chiefs. Since being cleared to observe, Harris has appeared “actually, actually good,” Harbaugh mentioned.
Whether or not Harris is prepared earlier than the group boards its 12-hour flight or turns into a game-time determination stays unsure.
In Harris’ absence, rookie Omarion Hampton has dealt with many of the carries in camp however welcomed his teammate’s return. The pair is anticipated to share duties in offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s system.
“It’s been superb, he’s my man,” Hampton mentioned. “We discuss on a regular basis. He helps me out on reads. I assist him out seeing what we see, how we see it.”
