Najee Harris is close to returning from a scary eye injury suffered in a July fireworks mishap, and the Chargers are counting on him to anchor a crowded backfield. On a one-year deal worth up to 9.25 million, Harris has been inching back into drills after limited activity since early August. If Harris isn’t ready for Week 1, Omarion Hampton will shoulder more carries as the top backup, with a battleground around Vidal, Sanders, Haskins and Miller-Hines for the third spot. The Chargers haven’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since 2017, and Harris’s dual-threat profile could unlock the passing game if he’s healthy. Week 1 against Kansas City in Sao Paulo will be a true early-season gauge.

The Chargers’ depth behind Harris is notable but unproven, making every practice rep critical for Hampton and the competing group. Harris’s Pittsburgh background as a steady runner and reliable receiver is a relatable touchstone for fantasy managers weighing risk vs. reward in a backfield that needs a durable, feature-back presence. Harris’s health status and usage in the opener will drive the early fantasy value of Hampton and the rest of the Chargers' backfield, especially in DFS lineups and risk-adjusted season-long rosters.

Week 1 against Kansas City features a rotating Chargers backfield with Omarion Hampton poised to split carries with Najee Harris, who is still rounding into shape after a superficial eye injury. Harris may not clear Week 1, so Hampton’s workload could be substantial early, backed by a group of challengers (Raheim Sanders, Hassan Haskins, Kimani Vidal, Nyheim Miller-Hines) who are all in the mix for touches. Hampton brings vision and burst, and the coaches praise his ability to find lanes in non-padded practices, signaling a real fantasy upside if he logs a sizable share.

Injuries also shaped practice notes: Rashawn Slater and Donte Jackson were among Chargers players hurt in recent sessions, and the team canceled a Rams joint-practice to manage roster health. Harris has appeared on the practice field in individual drills, showing steady progress. All signs point to a Week 1 floor built on rotation and opportunity, with Hampton ready to make an immediate impact if Harris is limited.

Michigan football has a rich heritage of transforming overlooked recruits into standout players, both in college and the NFL. Notable examples include the Glasgow brothers, who transitioned from walk-ons to NFL draft picks, showcasing the program's ability to nurture talent. Players like Josh Uche and Hassan Haskins emerged as pivotal contributors, outperforming their initial recruit rankings. Even stars like Mo Hurst and Devin Bush Jr. surpassed expectations, demonstrating that, despite not being a traditional developmental program, Michigan excels in fostering under-the-radar talent.

With recruitment activity surging as official visits ramp up, Michigan's strategy reveals a focus on potential rather than just rankings. Fans may celebrate the high-profile commitments, but the school has a penchant for unearthing diamonds in the rough, which can lead to long-term success on the field.

The Los Angeles Chargers are eyeing potential upgrades at the running back position. With J.K. Dobbins slated for free agency, the team's options may dwindle to Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins unless Dobbins is re-signed before then. Meanwhile, Aaron Jones is emerging as a compelling target for the Chargers, especially after a stellar season with the Minnesota Vikings where he posted career-high stats, including 1,138 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 255 carries.

However, signing Jones carries risks due to his age and injury history; he will turn 31 during the upcoming season and has only completed three full seasons over eight years. Despite this, Jones's consistent performance could fill the gap left by Dobbins should he depart. The verdict leans towards re-signing Dobbins or looking into this year's robust draft class for a fresher talent.

As the Los Angeles Chargers prepare for their Wild Card matchup against the Houston Texans, running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards are battling ankle injuries. The Chargers, favored by 2.5 points, are likely to adopt a run-heavy strategy against a Texans defense that has shown vulnerabilities against the run. Dobbins has been limited in practice, while Edwards recently upgraded his status, potentially leading to a committee approach with backup Hassan Haskins playing a key role.

In the receiving corps, the Chargers face additional challenges with injuries affecting key players. Quentin Johnston is recovering from a quad injury, and Joshua Palmer has been ruled out. However, the Texans' secondary is also missing key players, giving Los Angeles a chance to exploit these matchups.