On a play-action move, Chargers operating again Najee Harris crumpled to the turf earlier than the faux handoff might absolutely develop, instantly grabbing his left ankle and tossing apart his helmet in ache.
Needing help, trainers helped Harris to the sideline, as he was unable to place any weight on his leg, earlier than he was carted to the locker room within the second quarter of a 23-20 win over the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium on Sunday.
Harris, who spent the lead-up to his first season in L.A. recovering from an offseason eye damage in a fireworks accident, was anticipated to be a key piece of a one-two punch with rookie Omarion Hampton.
Now, he seems to be sidelined for the season with an Achilles damage, in line with head coach Jim Harbaugh, who referred to as the analysis “preliminary” as Harris underwent postgame imaging.
“Not good,” Harbaugh mentioned of his feelings because the play unfolded. “[I was] simply hoping for the most effective — perhaps a excessive ankle, one thing else that wouldn’t be long-term.”
Talking on the podium with a somber tone, Harbaugh mentioned he met with Harris at halftime and described the operating again’s demeanor as “cold-blooded,” including that he informed him: “You’ll be again, child.”
The damage appeared clear on movie, in line with Dr. Dan Ginader, bodily therapist and writer of “The Ache-Free Physique,” who reviewed video of the play.
“When wanting on the calf of the again plant leg, you may see the muscle form of ‘leap’ which is indicative of a whole tear of the Achilles,” Ginader mentioned. “Gamers who’ve suffered this damage usually describe it as being hit within the heel with a shovel. … Whenever you see the muscle leap and see the participant crumble to the ground, you will be fairly certain it’s a whole tear.”
Earlier than happening, Harris had been featured early Sunday, carrying six occasions for 28 yards. Sturdy all through his profession, he had appeared in all 71 video games throughout 5 NFL seasons earlier than the damage.
If it’s a whole tear, the earliest Harris might return is about eight months, Ginader mentioned, although most gamers don’t really feel absolutely themselves “till at the least 12 months” post-surgery. For a ability participant, he added, “it takes longer to have the ability to come again at full pressure.”
With Harris out, Hampton is predicted to shoulder an even bigger function shifting ahead. Hampton, who calls Harris a mentor, admitted the loss stings.
“It undoubtedly hurts,” Hampton mentioned.
